I felt intuitively that this was my man; and when he drew nearer a slight
movement of his eyebrows and a quick look of intelligence told me that I
was right.

"I have no acquaintance among the clergy of Caracas," I said to my
conductor. "This friar will serve my purpose as well as a regular priest."

"As you like, señor. Shall I ask him to see you?"

"_Gracias señor capitan_, if you please."

Whereupon the officer respectfully accosted the friar, and after telling
him that I had been condemned to die at sunrise on the morrow, asked if he
would receive my confession and give me such religious consolation as my
case required.

"_Con mucho gusto, capitan_," answered the friar. "When would the señor
like me to visit him?"

"At once, father. My hours are numbered, and I would fain spend the night
in meditation and prayer."

"Come with us, father," said the captain. "The señor has the permission of
the tribunal to see a priest in his own room."

So we entered the prison together, and the captain, having given the
necessary instructions to the turnkey, we were conducted to my room.

"When you have done," he said, "knock at the door, and I will come and let
you out."