“I am dying,” moaned the wretch; “my presentiment has come true, and death finds me amongst ruins. How dare I die who have been a murderer and a thief from my boyhood?”
The señor shrugged his shoulders, for he could not answer this question.
“Give me absolution,” he went on, “for the love of Christ, give me absolution.”
“I cannot,” said the señor; “I have no authority. Pray to Heaven to shrive you, for your time is short.”
Then he turned and went, but for a long time we were troubled by the last cries and blasphemies of this most evil man; indeed they did not cease till sunset, when the devil came to claim his own.
CHAPTER XI.
ZIBALBAY TELLS HIS MISSION
When we reached the ruins of the temple we ate and drank, then, knowing that we could travel no farther that night, I spoke, saying:
“Some two months since, Zibalbay, you sent a message by Molas, my foster-brother, that man who died to save us this day, to him who among the Indians is known as Lord of the Heart. Your messenger travelled fast and far, by sea and by land, till he found him and delivered the message.”
“To whom did he deliver it?” asked Zibalbay.
“To me, for I am the man you seek, and with my companion I have journeyed here to find you, suffering many dangers and evils on the path.”