"A worthy monk," Sandoval observed; "he reminds one of the Rev. John Zimmers, a protestant minister, who was hung about ten years back at Baton Rouge, for bigamy. He was a very holy man! I remember that at the foot of the gallows he made the crowd an edifying speech, which drew tears from most of his hearers. But let us return to Fray Antonio; I hope that no accident has happened to him, and that he still enjoys good health."
"When I left him his health was excellent. Still it is possible that he may be dangerously ill at this moment, or even dead."
"Rayo de Dios! You alarm me, gossip. Explain yourself."
"It is very simple: Texas, wearied with the incessantly renewed exactions of Mexico, has revolted to gain its liberty."
"Very good; I know it."
"You know too, of course, that all the men of talent have arrayed themselves beneath the flag of Independence. Naturally Fray Antonio raised a cuadrilla, and offered his services to the insurgents."
"That is very ingenious," the Captain said, with a smile.
"Is it not? Oh! Fray Antonio is a clever politician."
"Yes, yes, and proof of it is that at the beginning of the insurrection it often happened that he did not know himself to which party he belonged."
"What would you have?" Ruperto said, carelessly, "it is so difficult to find one's way in a general upset; but now it is no longer the case."