. Anguish and soul-torture
had warped his features.

"_Caramba_! Enough of such talk!" cried Don Jorge impatiently. "We
shall find plenty of others more deserving of shooting, I think! The
girl--where is she?"

Reed turned back into the parish house, and emerged a moment later
with Carmen and Dona Maria, who knew not as yet of Ana's departure. "I
hid them in your bedroom, Padre," Reed explained.

Jose threw him a look of gratitude. "Dona Maria," he cried, "do you
take Carmen into your house and await our decision! And you, men, go
into my study! It is as Don Jorge says, we must act quickly! Leave
your flag hanging, Mr. Reed! It may serve to protect us further
against the angry people of Simiti!"

The five men quickly gathered in Jose's living room in a strained,
excited group. The priest was the first to speak. Rapidly he related
in detail Don Mario's last confession. When he had closed, Reed made
reply.

"Old man," he said, familiarly addressing Jose, "having seen the girl,
I do not at all wonder that blood has been shed over her. But to keep
her another hour in Simiti is to sacrifice her. Get her away--and at
once! If not, the people will drive you out. I talked with Fernando
last night. With the soldiers gone, the people will rise up against
you all."

"But, friend, where shall we go?" cried Jose in desperation. "There is
no place in Colombia now where she would be safe!"

"Then leave the country," suggested Reed.

"It can not be done," interposed Don Jorge. "It would be impossible
for him to escape down the river with the girl, even if he had funds
to carry her away from Colombia, which he has not. At any port he
would be seized. To take the trail would only postpone for a short
time their certain capture. And then--well, we will not predict! To
flee into the jungle--or to hide among the _peones_ along the
trails--that might be done--yes."

"What's the gibberish about now, pal?" put in Harris, whose knowledge
of the Spanish tongue was _nil_.

Reed explained to him at some length.

"Well, that's easy," returned Harris. "Tell 'em you'll take the girl
out yourself. She's white enough to pass as your daughter, you know."

Rosendo, stunned by the sudden departure of Ana, had sat in a state of
stupefaction during this conversation. But now he roused up and turned
to Reed. "What says he, senor?" he inquired thickly.

The latter translated his friend's suggestion, laughing as he
commented on its gross absu