With the _presidente_ were two stalwart fellows, intended, as he whispered to us audibly, to handle the _fiscal_ in case he became dangerous.

The audience ended, and the party dismissed, the _presidente_ stood in the road until the _fiscal_ had started for home, when he left for the town-house.

The _fiscal's_ home-going, however, was mere pretense.

No sooner was the _presidente_ gone than he came staggering into the _patio_ of the _curato_.

The women ran into our room, in terror: "The _fiscal_ comes; bar the door; do not let him in." A moment later a feeble rap at the door, a call and a mournful request for admission; the barricaded door gave no encouragement.