resence. "_Bien_, we will not disturb
them."

Summoning Rosendo and Don Jorge, the three men sought the lake's edge.
There, seated on the loose shales, they wrestled with their problem
until dawn spread her filmy veil over the shimmering stars.

* * * * *

Long before sun-up the soldiers and the _peones_, whom Captain Morales
had impressed, were busy gathering the commandeered rifles and
carrying them down to the gunboat Hercules, waiting at the mouth of
the Boque river, some six or eight miles distant, and over a wild
trail. The townsfolk, thoroughly frightened, hugged the shelter of
their homes, and left the streets to the troops. Though they detested
the soldiers, yet none would lightly risk a blow from the heavy hand
of Morales, whose authority on a punitive expedition of this sort was
unlimited. The summary execution of the Alcalde had stricken them with
horror, and left an impression which never would be erased from their
memories.

Immediately after the early _desayuno_ the captain appeared at
Rosendo's door. He had come to say farewell to the priest. All of the
soldiers had disappeared down the trail, with the exception of the two
who formed the captain's small personal escort.

"_Conque, adios, Senor Padre_" he called cheerily, as he approached.
Jose was sitting at table with Rosendo's family and Don Jorge.
Instinctively he rose hastily, and seizing Carmen, thrust her into the
adjoining bedroom and closed the door. Then he went out to face the
captain.

"Much excitement for your little _pueblo_, no?" exclaimed the captain
with a bluff laugh as he grasped Jose's hand. "But a lesson like this
will last a century. I rejoice that I found it unnecessary to burn the
town."

Jose trembled as he replied. "_Senor Capitan_, I, too, rejoice.
But--the state of the country--what may we expect?"

The captain laughed again. "_Caramba, Padre mio_! who can say? There
is much talk, many angry looks, much gesturing and waving of hands.
Congress still sits. The President sees fit to send me here, without
order from the Departmental Governor. _Hombre_! what will follow?
_Quien sabe_?" He shrugged his shoulders with that expressive Latin
gesture which indicates complete irresponsibility for and indifference
to results.

Jose's heart began to beat more regularly. He again took the captain's
hand. He was eager to see him depart. "_Bueno pues, Senor Capitan_,"
he said hurriedly. "I