d to
answer it.

"It is Fernando, Padre. I am on guard; but no one must know that I
talk with you. But--Padre, if you open the door and escape, I will not
see you. I am sorry, Padre, but it could not be helped. Don Mario has
us all frightened, for the Bishop--"

"True, _amigo_," returned Jose; "but the strangers who arrived this
afternoon--who are they, and whence?"

"Two _Americanos_, Padre, and miners."

Jose studied a moment. "Fernando--you would aid me? _Bien_, get word
to the stranger who speaks both English and Spanish. Bring him here,
secretly, and stand guard yourself while I talk with him."

"Gladly, Padre," returned the penitent fellow, as he hastened quietly
away.

An hour later Jose was again roused by Fernando tapping on the door.

"Open, Padre. Fear not; only the _Americano_ will enter. Don Mario
does not know."

Jose lifted the prop and swung the door open. Rosendo stood with
uplifted _machete_. A man entered from the blackness without. Jose
quickly closed the door, and then addressed him in English.

"Great Scott!" exclaimed the stranger in a mellow voice. "I had no
idea I should find any one in this God-forsaken town who could speak
real United States!"

Jose drew him into the _sacristia_. Neither man could see the other in
the dense blackness.

"Tell me, friend," began Jose, "who you are, and where you come
from."

"Reed--Charles Reed--New York--mining engineer--down here to examine
the so-called mines of the Molino Company, now gasping its last while
awaiting our report. Arrived this afternoon from Badillo with my
partner, fellow named Harris. But--great heavens, man! you certainly
were in a stew when we appeared! And why don't you escape now?"

"Escape, friend? Where? Even if we passed the guard, where would we
go? There are two women, a girl, and a babe with us. We have little
food and no money. Should we gain the Boque or Guamoco trail, we would
be pursued and shot down. There is a chance here--none in flight!

"But now, Mr. Reed," continued Jose earnestly, "will you get word from
me to the Bishop in Cartagena that our church has been attacked--that
its priest is besieged by the Alcalde, and his life in jeopardy?"

"Assuredly--but how?"

"You have money?" said Jose, speaking rapidly. "Good. Your _bogas_
have not returned to Badillo?"

"No, they are staying here for the big show. Execution of the
traitors, you know."

"Then, friend, send them at dawn to Bodega Central. Let t