Yet they were the first to turn away.
"I mean," returned the stranger, with the same practical gravity, "that you know it wouldn't pay me to come here, if I'd killed the baby, unless I wanted you to fix things right with me up there," pointing skyward, "and get absolution; and I've told you _that_ wasn't in my line." "Why do you seek me, then ?" demanded the Padre, suspiciously.
"Because I reckon I thought a man might be allowed to confess something short of a murder.

If you're going to draw the line below that"-- "This is but sacrilegious levity," interrupted Father Pedro, turning as if to go.

But the stranger did not make any movement to detain him.
"Have you implored forgiveness of the father--the man you wronged--before you came here ?" asked the priest, lingering.
"Not much.

It wouldn't pay if he was living, and he died four years ago." "You are sure of that ?" "I am." "There are other relations, perhaps ?" "None." Father Pedro was silent.

When he spoke again, it was with a changed voice.