Page:Rowland--The Mountain of Fears.djvu/202

  in a syncope. I was firm in refusing to allow him to land, and, to tell the truth, I did not much expect to find the couple. Having found the local padre, a Mestizo, I asked after the fugitives.

Yes,' he said, 'they were here, but they have gone, blessed be the name of the Virgin! A pair of devils—with apologies to the Señor if he should be so unfortunate as to be a friend. Myself, I believe them to be quite mad. First they would quarrel, then they would kiss—then they would quarrel again. Never have I seen so many quarrels—nor so much kissing,' he added, thoughtfully.

" 'When did they leave?' I asked.

" 'But three days ago; St. Christopher grant that they do not return! He was a devil—a white devil, this man—they were both devils.' He shuddered. 'The kissings were growing less and the quarrels more. The night before they left she came flying to the convent and begged for an asylum. I was tempted, Señor, for she was very beautiful, [ 186 ]