These last are the only ones that can really offend, and only according to whether they preexisted as a motive _in mente_, or arose solely _per accidens_ in the heat of the discussion, if there really exist--" "But I, by _accidens_ and for my own part, understand his motives, Padre Sibyla," broke in the old soldier, who saw himself about to be entangled in so many distinctions that he feared lest he might still be held to blame.

"I understand the motives about which your Reverence is going to make distinctions.

During the absence of Padre Damaso from San Diego, his coadjutor buried the body of an extremely worthy individual--yes, sir, extremely worthy, for I had had dealings with him many times and had been entertained in his house.

What if he never went to confession, what does that matter?
Neither do I go to confession! But to say that he committed suicide is a lie, a slander! A man such as he was, who has a son upon whom he centers his affection and hopes, a man who has faith in God, who recognizes his duties to society, a just and honorable man, does not commit suicide.

This much I will say and will refrain from expressing the rest of my thoughts here, so please your Reverence." Then, turning his back on the Franciscan, he went on: "Now then, this priest on his return to the town, after maltreating the poor coadjutor, had the corpse dug up and taken away from the cemetery to be buried I don't know where.