"But how can I be of any service to you?"
"I will tell you. Captain Leon informed me that you stood well with the sisters of the Convent of the Purísima Concepción."
"Oh, oh! up to a certain point," Crevel answered.
"No false modesty. I know you possess the power to have the gates opened whenever you think proper, and hence I invite you to accompany us for that purpose."
"Oh, Lord! what can you be thinking of?" the startled banian remarked.
"No remarks; make haste, or by Nuestra Señora de la buena Esperanza, I will set fire to your hovel."
A heavy groan escaped from Crevel's breast as he prepared to obey. It was striking half-past ten by the cathedral dock. A second later the Voice of the sereno croaked close to the posada.
"Ave Maria Purísima, las diez y media han dado y señora," he cried.
"It seems that it has left off raining?" said Wilhelm. "All the better."
"Come, make haste," said Diego, with a sign to the German.