"Still, if Xuarez appeals to their superstition through this opal," said Peter, mildly, "there will be——"
"That only counts with the Indians. The Mestizos and the descendants of the Spaniards won't be led by such child's play."
"What about the Church?"
Jack flicked a spot of dust off his coat.
"The Church has that much power in Cholacaca now," he said slowly, "it's effete; it's worn out. The age of the Inquisition is past."
"If Don Hypolito does get to be Lord-Lieutenant," asked Tim, inquiringly, "what will he do for the downtrodden country?"
"According to his own showing—everything. Don't I tell you he wishes to found a monarchy. But when he's got the upper hand, I question whether he'll do much, save what chimes in with his own personal ambition. Besides, Cholacaca is going ahead now quite as much as is good for it."
"That refers to the railway, Jack."
"Partly, and to other things also. This railway will open up a lot of valuable country. It will run through from end to end. From Janjalla in the south to Acauhtzin in the north. Then lines will branch off here and there to the sea-coast on one side, to the mountains on the other. Thus the whole country will be a network of railways, bringing the population and towns within trading distance of one another."
"All of which visions are to be realised by Jack," said Peter, with mock sarcasm.