Let the poor devil have his chance, as may the good Lord grant me mine.

But, _padre_, I have only just returned from my last round among the prisoners, and am greatly wearied, nor will I journey that way again with you.

In truth, 'tis all I can well do to guide my own footsteps, without helping along a priest of thy weight.

So here, _padre_, take the key, and, mind ye, have it safely back in my hands before the ship's bell soundeth the half hour." Hastily snatching the bit of iron he flung rattling on the deck at my feet, I paused merely long enough to favor the company with parting admonition on their probable future.

Then, glad enough to be thus easily rid of them, I lurched heavily forward into the narrow passageway.