Before Mendoza could depart the Colonel came bustling in.
"Heard your voice, my friend, and couldn't stand on ceremony. Have you received the news? Most interesting it is. Well, the governor has resigned and I am made acting-governor of the province pending the new appointment. The former governor is still in Mexico City. Fussy old curmudgeon he is. Should have resigned years ago. What I want to know, Señor Mendoza, is, are you laying plans to capture the office? If you are not, I am sure of getting it, as sure of it as if it was in my pocket here," tapping his breast-pocket vigorously. "What say you, Mendoza?" slapping the señor's shoulder with heavy palm.
"I have pledged myself to remain administrator while the need lasts," replied Mendoza, glancing at the friar. "The need yet exists, and I cannot hold two offices."
"Splendid! Splendid!" exulted Barcelo. "I'll take my chances against the other aspirants, and you may be assured there will be enough of them."
The Padre Lusciano Osuna had arisen. The exuberant Colonel now noticed him for the first time.
"Reverend sir, my obeisance! Kindly do not repeat what I have said of my political hopes."
Osuna bowed and smiled. "As you wish, sir."
At that moment Señora Barcelo and his sister entered.
"My husband is irrepressible. He actually bubbles over like a mineral spring. He requests a private interview, then shouts his secrets from the housetops. Reverend padre, I'm delighted to see you well again. Delighted! How pleasant to meet you on such an occasion as this! Reverend Padre Osuna, my sister, Señora Valentino, very lately from Spain. She was with us the night you led those men to us in the rain. No time for introductions then, of course. Ugh! what an experience!"
The friar and Señora Valentino acknowledged the introduction.