The Cards of the Dead and the Shadows The moon was hidden in a cloudy sky while a cold wind, precursor of the approaching December, swept the dry leaves and dust about in the narrow pathway leading to the cemetery.

Three shadowy forms were conversing in low tones under the arch of the gateway.
"Have you spoken to Elias ?" asked a voice.
"No, you know how reserved and circumspect he is.

But he ought to be one of us.

Don Crisostomo saved his life." "That's why I joined," said the first voice.

"Don Crisostomo had my wife cured in the house of a doctor in Manila.