ersonally responsible.

Alexander Morton (puritanically and lugubriously). As a God-fearing
man and forgiving Christian, Mr. Castro, I trust you will overlook
the habitual profanity of the erring but well-meaning man, who, by the
necessities of my situation, accompanies me. I am the person--a helpless
sinner--mentioned in the letters which I believe have preceded me. As
a professing member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, I have
ventured, in the interest of works rather than faith, to overlook the
plain doctrines of the church in claiming sympathy of a superstitious
Papist.

Starbottle (interrupting, aside to ALEXANDER MORTON). Ahem! ahem!
(Aloud to DON JOSE.) My friend's manner, sir, reminds me of--er--er--Ram
Bootgum Sing, first secretary of Turkish legation at Washington in '45;
most remarkable man--demn me--most remarkable--and warm personal friend.
Challenged Tod Robinson for putting him next to Hebrew banker at dinner,
with remark--demn me--that they were both believers in the profit!
he, he! Amusing, perhaps; irreverent, certainly. Fought with cimeters.
Second pass, Ram divided Tod in two pieces--fact, sir--just here
(pointing) in--er--er--regions of moral emotions. Upper half called to
me,--said to me warningly--last words--never forget it,--"Star,"--always
called me Star,--"Respect man's religious convictions." Legs dead;
emotion confined to upper part of body--pathetic picture. Ged, sir,
something to be remembered!

Don Jose (with grave Spanish courtesy). You are welcome, gentlemen, to
the rancho of the Blessed Fisherman. Your letters, with their honorable
report, are here. Believe me, senores, in your modesty you have
forgotten to mention your strongest claim to the hospitality of my
house,--the royal right of strangers.

Morton. Angels before this have been entertained as strangers, says
the Good Book; and that, I take it, is your authority for this
ceremoniousness which else were but lip-service and Papist airs. But
I am here in the performance of a duty, Mr. Castro,--the duty of a
Christian father. I am seeking a prodigal son. I am seeking him in his
wine-husks and among his harl--

Starbottle (interrupting). A single moment. (To DON JOSE.) Permit me
to--er--er--explain. As my friend Mr. Morton states, we are, in fact, at
present engaged in--er--er--quest--er--pilgrimage that possibly to
some, unless deterred by considerations of responsibility--personal
responsibility--sir--Ged, sir, might be