Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/284

 healthy an interest in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to pass many hours in such a stuffy, ill-smelling donjon as this."

Father Hilario holds up a warning finger. "There are listeners about," he says.

"Let them listen. If their stock of English is equal to my collection of Spanish they will be vastly entertained by my remarks."

"You will attempt to escape?" queries the priest, in a cautious whisper.

"At the first opportunity."

"The attempt will fail."

"It will succeed," retorts Ashley.

"No; it will fail," repeats Father Hilario. "The carcelero, always watchful, will be doubly vigilant to-night. He has probably been bribed."

"But a larger bribe"

"Is out of the question. His life would pay the penalty."

"I don't believe it. But enough of that," says Ashley, impatiently. "Now tell me, father, of the Senorita de Quesada. Have you seen her to-night?"

The priest is silent. In his muteness, Ashley finds the confirmation of his worst fears.

"Speak, man!" he cries impatiently. "Do you know that the life and happiness of the senorita are more to me than my own existence? Speak!"

"She is in the church of San Pedro."

"In whose company?"

"She is alone."

"Alone in the church of San Pedro after midnight? What mean you?"

"She is a prisoner.[*" typo? P3—not typo, missing]

"A prisoner? Ten thousand devils!" rages Ashley, striding to and fro in his narrow cell.

"Calm yourself, my son," remonstrates Father Hilario. "Nothing can be accomplished by such wild outbursts."

"Oh, yes; I'll be calm!" grits Ashley. "By heaven, I'd give ten years of my life for ten minutes of liberty!"

"Come. Time flies, and the carcelero will soon be