670 THE CATALAN CAPUCHIN. 



them the Capuchin and the alcalde : it was by the merest luck in the 

 world they had captured the monk ; for the alcalde had not spoken 

 a word since their departure he was unmoved by entreaties and 

 threats, and resolved not to betray the Capuchin he maintained an 

 obstinate silence. The monk, knowing they had just cause of com- 

 plaint against him, remained concealed at some neighbouring farm, 

 and not supposing but that he was safe when administering the actual 

 duties of his sacred office, he came forth occasionally to administer 

 consolation to his flock. As ill-luck would have it, Llanero's party 

 entered San^Luis as the Capuchin entered the church, arid the corporal 

 who commanded not being gifted, like his superior, with any scruple 

 at all, arrested him at the very altar. It was of no use to resist ; but 

 knowing in his own mind they dare not harm him, the monk vowed 

 the bitter vengeance of Heaven against Llanero and all employed in 

 so sacreligious an outrage. 



Llanero had hitherto anxiously awaited the arrival of this Capu- 

 chin, but at that moment he cursed the fortune that had betrayed 

 him into their hands. Each moment he became more irresolute, and 

 had almost determined to send him a prisoner to Bolivar, to deal with 

 him as he pleased when the Capuchin himself caused him to make 

 up his mind quicker then he expected. Dismounting from his horse 

 in a style not unworthy of a professed equestrian, the monk strode 

 haughtily up to the Independent officer : " How long is it,;,Sir, since 

 the brothers of the holy St. Francis have been amenable to military 

 authority ?" Llanero was a little taken aback ; but the monk pro- 

 ceeded in a higher tone than was discreet : " Was there ever a man 

 in the world, except a rascally bandit like you, who would dare put his 

 devilish hand upon a priest at the altar ? but hark'ye, babe of hell ! 

 I'll make no compromise with your masters, until you are disgraced 

 like a rascally robber, as you are." This was touching poor Llanero 

 upon a tender subject, and no wonder that his amiable peculiarities 

 should display themselves. Still, however, with an admirable reso- 

 lution, he did not break out, but his inflamed visage presaged a 

 storm. 



'* As far as regards my chief," said he, in reply to the monk's 

 tirade, I am quite easy : " I act under the express order of the Li- 

 berator." 



" The Liberator !" shouted the monk, clenching his hand in defi- 

 ance. " Say, rather, the libertine the atheist the accursed of 

 God ! Those are the titles that accord best with a traitor to his King 

 and the Holy Church. But I tell you, hell-dog as you are, neither 

 he nor his will long blind the eyes of honest men. He shall not 

 escape this time as he did before I swear it he shall hang like a 

 dog, with you and every brigand that has helped him !" 



" Sangre de Dios ! you shall not live to see it spawn of the 

 Devil !" shouted Llanero, bursting into uncontrolable fury at this irre- 

 verent mention of Boliver. All the fire of the bandit gleamed from his 

 fearfully excited visage ; " for this moment do I consign you to 

 another world !" The Capuchin, full of confidence at the protection 

 of his cloth, treated his threat with contempt. 



" Go ! miserable wretch," said he ; " go ! you are even beneath my 



