ers and hangers-on.
The government arms had been brought up from Bodega Central and stored
in an empty warehouse belonging to Don Felipe Alcozer to await further
disposition.

But with the arrival of the arms, and of certain letters which Don
Mario received from Cartagena, the old town lost its calm of
centuries, not to recover it again for many a dreary day. By the time
its peace was finally restored, it had received a blow from which it
never recovered. And many a familiar face, too, had disappeared
forever from its narrow streets.

Meanwhile, Jose and his followers anxiously awaited the turn of
events. It came at length, and in a manner not wholly unexpected. The
Alcalde in his voluminous correspondence with Wenceslas had not
failed to bring against Jose every charge which his unduly stimulated
brain could imagine. But in particular did he dwell upon the
priest's malign influence upon Carmen, whose physical beauty and
powers of mind were the marvel of Simiti. He hammered upon this
with an insistence that could not but at length again attract the
thought of the acting-Bishop, who wrote finally to Don Mario,
expressing the mildly couched opinion that, now that his attention
had been called again to the matter, Carmen should have the benefits
of the education and liberal training which a convent would afford.

Don Mario's egotism soared to the sky. The great Bishop was actually
being advised by him! _Hombre_! Where would it not end! He would yet
remove to a larger town, perhaps Mompox, and, with the support of the
great ecclesiastic, stand for election to Congress! He would show the
Bishop what mettle he had in him. _Hombre_! And first he would show
His Grace how a loyal servant could anticipate his master's wishes. He
summoned Fernando, and imperiously bade him bring the girl Carmen at
once.

But Fernando returned, saying that Rosendo refused to give up the
child. Don Mario then ordered Rosendo's arrest. But Fernando found it
impossible to execute the commission. Jose and Don Jorge stood with
Rosendo, and threatened to deal harshly with the constable should he
attempt to take Carmen by force. Fernando then sought to impress upon
the Alcalde the danger of arousing public opinion again over the
girl.

Don Mario's wrath burst forth like an exploding bomb. He seized his
straw hat and his cane, the emblem of his office, and strode to the
house of Rosendo. His face grew more deeply purple as he went. At the
door of t