n you afford me any further information
with regard to the seventeen who were sentenced to the galleys; as, for
example, the name of the galley to which each man was consigned, and
where those galleys may be looked for at the present moment?"

"No, senor," answered Don Manuel, "I regret to say that I cannot. They
were all put on board a ship called the _San Mathias_, and sent in her
to Nombre de Dios, where, if you will hear more of them, you must e'en
go and enquire."

"I thank you, senor," answered George quietly, ignoring a certain
suggestion of insolence in the other's concluding remark. "And now, as
to the sixteen who were surrendered to the Inquisition. What can you
tell me concerning them?"

"Nothing, senor," answered Don Manuel, at length displaying some signs
of uneasiness. "When the Holy Office claims a man, that man disappears
from the public ken, generally for ever; or if he is seen again it is
only when he figures in the _auto-da-fe_, dressed in a San Benito.
Pardon, Senor Capitano, but this is a matter upon which I can afford you
no information, and which I must absolutely refuse to discuss with you,
or anyone."

"Very well," said George, "be it so. But I suppose you will have no
objection to inform me whereabout the Inquisition building is to be
found?"

"Where it is to be found?" reiterated Don Manuel. "Why assuredly--.
But stay. What is your object in requiring that particular bit of
information, senor?"

"Merely that I have business there, a call to make," answered George,
imperturbably.

"Business! a call!" reiterated the soldier. "Surely, senor, it is not
possible that you, a heretic, intend to force your sinful way into the
presence of the holy fathers, and to--to--. Saints and angels! I will
be no party to such a blasphemous proceeding. If that be your
intention, senor, seek your information elsewhere; I will not imperil my
soul by assisting, in ever so indirect a manner, an act of sacrilege."

"As you will, senor," answered George, calmly. "But I would have you
remember that by delaying me in the performance of the task which I have
undertaken, you are jeopardising the city and all in it. If I am
delayed--"

"Pray say no more, noble senor," interrupted the alcalde. "There is
nothing to be gained, Don Manuel, by withholding from the illustrious
Adelantado the information which he seeks; for if you will not give it,
others will. And--a word in your ear, senor. If anything