"That word is a blasphemy in your mouth, Don Miguel. God can do all He wills. Hope, I tell you."
"I am wrong, father: forgive me."
"Now I am ready to hear your confession."
The prisoners bowed. Father Seraphin shrived them in turn, and gave them absolution.
"Hola!" the jailer shouted through the door. "Make haste; it is getting late. It will soon be impossible to leave the city."
"Open the door," the missionary said in a firm voice.
The jailer appeared.
"Well?" he asked.
"Light me and lead me out of the prison. These caballeros refuse to profit by the chance of safety I came to offer them."
The jailer shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.