which she has to do to-night, and if you will protect her, if she should
chance to be in any danger.'"

"I can do that. To accompany you, to protect you. Ah, rogue! you want to
deceive me and make me your accomplice in some piece of villany."

"Of course--what do you suppose?" said Maria Remedios ironically.
"Between Ramos and me we are going to slaughter a great many people
to-night."

"Don't jest! I tell you again that I will not advise Ramos to do any
thing that has the appearance of evil--I think he is outside."

A noise at the street-door was heard, then the voice of Caballuco
speaking to the servant, and a little later the hero of Orbajosa entered
the room.

"What is the news? Give us the news, Senor Ramos," said the priest.
"Come! If you don't give us some hope in exchange for your supper and
our hospitality----What is going on in Villahorrenda?"

"Something," answered the bravo, seating himself with signs of fatigue.
"You shall soon see whether we are good for anything or not."

Like all persons who wish to make themselves appear important, Caballuco
made a show of great reserve.

"To-night, my friend, you shall take with you, if you wish, the money
they have given me for--"