"That is possible; but do you think that, in such a case, you will escape with clean hands?"
Fray Ambrosio looked at him, shrugged his shoulders, but made no further answer.
"Will you open, demonios?" a rough voice shouted.
"Red Cedar!" both men whispered.
"I am coming," Andrés replied, in a voice which terror caused to tremble.
He rose unwillingly, and walked slowly towards the door, which the squatter threatened to tear from its hinges.
"A little patience, caballero," the gambusino said, in that honeyed voice peculiar to Mexicans when they meditate some roguery. "Coming, coming."
And he began unbarring the door.
"Make haste!" the squatter howled, "For I am in a hurry."
"Hum! It is surely he!" the gambusino thought. "Who are you?" he asked.