"Hang it all!" the other replied, who had his plan, and was afraid that he must restore the money if Diego drew back from his resolution; "the convent of the Concepción is open day and night to people who come in search of medicines; so leave me alone."
"In that case, go on," said the leader of the party as he let go his arm.
Crevel did not allow the permission to be repeated, and, through fear of a fresh objection, hastened to let the knocker fall, which echoed noisily on the copper boss. Diego and his men were standing in the shadow of the wall. A moment after, the trapdoor was pulled back, and the wrinkled face of the sister porter appeared in the opening.
"Who are you, my brother?" she asked, in a sleepy voice; "and why have you knocked at our gate at such an hour?"
"Ave Maria Purísima!" Crevel said, in his most sanctified voice.
"Sin pecado concebida. Brother, are you ill?"
"I am a poor sinner whom you know, sister, and my soul is plunged in affliction."
"Who may you be, brother? I fancy I recognize your voice, but the night is so dark that I cannot see your face."
"And I sincerely hope that you will not see it," Crevel mentally remarked; and added aloud—"Oh, sister, you know me perfectly well. I am Signor Dominique, the Italian, and keep a locanda on the Port."
"Oh yes, I remember you now, brother."