The priest braced himself, and his face assumed an expression that it had not worn before he came to Simití. "Look you now, my friend," he began in tones pregnant with meaning. "I have made some inquiries regarding your system of peonage. I find that you pay your _peones_ from twenty to thirty cents a day for their hard labor, and at the same time charge them as much a day for food. Or you force them to buy from you tobacco and rum at prices which keep them always in your debt. Is it not so?" "_Na_, Padre, you have been misinformed," the Alcalde demurred, with a deprecating gesture. "I have not. Lázaro Ortiz is now working for you on that system. And daily he becomes more deeply indebted to you, is it not so?" "But, Padre--" "It is useless for you to deny it, Don Mario, for I have facts. Now listen to me. Let us understand each other clearly, nor attempt to dissimulate. That iniquitous system of peonage has got to cease in my parish!" "_Caramba_, but Padre Diego had _peones_!" the Alcalde exploded. "And he was a wicked man," added Josè. Then he continued: "I know not what information you may have from the Bishop regarding me, yet this I tell you: I shall report you to Bogotá, and I will band the citizens of Simití together to drive you out of town, if you do not at once release Lázaro, and put an end to this wicked practice. The people will follow if I lead!" It was a bold stroke, and the priest knew that he was standing upon shaky ground. But the man before him was superstitious, untutored and child-like. A show of courage, backed by an assertion of authority, might produce the desired effect. Moreover, Josè knew that he was in the right. And right must prevail! Don Mario glared at him, while an ugly look spread over his coarse features. The priest went on: "Lázaro has long since worked out his debt, and you shall release him at once. As to Rosendo, he must have the supplies he needs to return to Guamocó. You understand?" "_Caramba!_" Don Mario's face was purple with rage. "You think you can tell me what to do--me, the Alcalde!" he volleyed. "You think you can make us change our customs! _Caramba!_ You are no better than the priest Diego, whom you try to make me believe so wicked! _Hombre_, you were driven out of Cartagena yourself! A nice sort to be teaching a little girl--!" "Stop, man!" thundered Josè, striding toward him with upraised arm. Don Mario fell back in his chair and quailed before the mountainous wrath of the priest. A shadow fell across the open doorway. Glancing up, Josè saw Carmen. For a moment the girl stood looking in wonder at the angry men. Then she went quickly to the priest and slipped a hand into his. A feeling of shame swept over him, and he went back to his chair. Carmen leaned against him, but she appeared to be confused. Silence fell upon them all.