thout opposition.
When Pablo did not seem much impressed by these things--not unfamiliar,
probably--he hinted suspicions more awful. There was a spot somewhere in
the hills, frequented at certain seasons by these wretches, where they
performed sacrifice. Blood was shed, and the Cura had reason to think--he
dropped his voice, and bent across the little table to whisper awfully in
his brother's ear.

'Why,' said Pablo, 'if you can prove that, the Government will interfere
fast enough. It's murder!'

'I am not quite certain. But give me authority to arrest the Cacique--the
head-man of the village--and some others! They held one of their impious
festivals only last week. I met them returning just after dawn, crowned
with flowers, all the men intoxicated. Oh no, it wasn't a mere drinking
bout. The Cacique and that vile Manuele--whom I believe to be the
priest--carried nosegays of the accursed flower the demons give them. I
know it! They used formerly--the sons of perdition!--to bring it to my
church and offer it upon the holy altar. And I--Heaven pardon
me!--rejoiced in its beauty. With prayers and thanksgivings I laid the
Devil's Flower before the Blessed Mother. I did not know! It will not be
counted against me for a sin, brother?' So he went on, bemoaning his
unconscious offence.

Pablo woke up instantly. What did the Cacique do with his nosegay since he
was not allowed to deposit it on the altar? What sort of flower was it?
All this seemed trivial to the agitated Cura. With difficulty he was
brought to the statement that it resembled the Flor de San Lorenzo, but
snow-white. Then Pablo showed much concern. These shocking practices must
be made to cease; but first they must have evidence. That mysterious spot
on the hills? Did his brother know where it was? No, he had only pieced
together hints and fragmentary observations. They suggested a certain
neighbourhood. It had never occurred to him to look for it. If his
conjectures were sound, the place was desert. Indians always choose a
barren unpeopled site for their ancestral worship, as Pablo knew.

He considered. There was a certain risk, for the priests might dwell by
their idols. But most even of these look upon their Christian rival with
reverence. He asked his brother how he was regarded? Indignantly the
latter confessed that all these wicked folk treated him with the utmost
deference. He had denounced them again and again from the altar,
threatened to excommunicat