On the contrary, he endeavored by his good deeds to wipe out some injustices which he said your ancestors had committed.

But to get back to his troubles with the curate--these took on a serious aspect.

Padre Damaso denounced him from the pulpit, and that he did not expressly name him was a miracle, since anything might have been expected of such a character.

I foresaw that sooner or later the affair would have serious results." Again the old lieutenant paused.

"There happened to be wandering about the province an ex-artilleryman who has been discharged from the army on account of his stupidity and ignorance.