of value
to the evidence, for what did he know of the child's parentage? He
feebly begged them to wait until Diego's claim had been either
corroborated or annulled. But no; they had the Bishop's corroboration,
and that sufficed. "And, _Caramba_!" cried Don Mario, interrupting the
priest in a loud voice, "if we oppose the Bishop, then will he send
the government soldiers to us--and you know what--"

"_Cielo_, yes!" came from the multitude in one voice.

Jose sank down thoroughly beaten. His hands were tied. The case now
rested with her God.

The people drew apart in little groups to discuss the matter. Don
Mario's beady eyes searched them, until he was certain of the way the
tide was flowing. Then he rose and called for order.

"_Bueno_, _amigos y amigas_," he began with immense dignity; "what say
you if we sum up the case as follows: The proofs have the support of
the Bishop, and show that the girl is the daughter of Padre Diego.
Rosendo is guilty of having kept her from her own father, and for that
he should be severely punished. Let him be confined in the jail for
six months, and be forced to pay to us a fine of one thousand _pesos
oro_--"

"_Caramba_! but he has no such sum," cried the people with mouths
agape.

"_Bien_, I say he can get it!" retorted the Alcalde, looking meaningly
at Jose. "And he should pay it for depriving the child of a father's
love and the religious instruction which he would have given her!"

Jose jumped to his feet. "Friends!" he cried, playing his last card.
"Will you not remember that more than that amount is due Rosendo for
the care of the child? Who will repay him?"

The whimsical, fickle people broke into excited exclamations.

"_Cierto!_"

"The _Cura_ is right!"

"Let Rosendo pay no fine--he has no gold, anyway!"

"Cut down the sentence, Don Mario. We do not like this!"

The Alcalde saw that he had gone a bit too far. "_Bueno_, then," he
amended. "We will cancel both the fine and Padre Diego's debt to
Rosendo, and the sentence shall be reduced to--what say you all?"

"A month in the jail, Don Mario, no more," suggested one.

An exclamation of approval from the crowd drowned the protest which
Jose sought vainly to voice. Rosendo rose quickly; but Fernando and
others seized him.

"_Bien_, it is approved," bawled the Alcalde, waving his thick arms.
"Take the prisoner to the _carcel_, _Senor Policia_," turning to the
constable.

"And the girl, Senor the Alcalde--when