"True, if one could buy it! As a rule, they do not give, but sell, and the price they ask is often high."
"Some bribes are hard to resist when they are offered in the name of charity; for example, hospitals founded and new churches built," Grahame interposed. "These are things you can make good use of."
Father Agustin looked at him steadily.
"An honest man does not take a bribe, as you, my son, should know," he said.
"Ah!" Grahame returned carelessly. "I did not think you had heard of—a certain affair."
Walthew gave him a surprised glance, but Father Agustin smiled.
"I hear many curious things. Besides, my companions take precautions. Sometimes they find them needed."
"I suppose if I had done what I was asked and pocketed the reward, I should have met with an accident shortly afterward?" Grahame suggested.
"One does not talk of such matters, señor, among trusted friends," one of the men interposed.
"Your intelligence department seems to be well organized, but there's ground for believing the opposition's is quite as good," Grahame said, and related what had happened at their last port.