Josè yielded to the man's friendly advances. This was not the first American he had met; yet it seemed a new type, and one that drew him strongly. "So you think this country diseased, eh?" the American continued. Josè did not answer. While there was nothing in the stranger's appearance and frank, open countenance to arouse suspicion, yet he must be careful. He was living down one frightful mistake. He could not risk another. But the man did not wait for a reply. "Well, I'm quite agreed with you. It has _priest-itis_." He stopped and looked curiously at Josè, as if awaiting the effect of his bold words. Then--"I take it you are not really one of 'em?" Josè stared at the man in amazement. Hitt laughed again. Then he drew forth a cigar and held it out. "Smoke?" he said. The priest shook his head. Hitt lighted the cigar himself, then settled back on the bench, his hands jammed into his trousers pockets, and his long legs stuck straight out in front, to the unconcealed annoyance of the passers-by. But, despite his _brusquerie_ and his thoughtlessness, there was something about the American that was wonderfully attractive to the lonely priest. "Yes, sir," Hitt went on abstractedly in corroboration of his former statement, "Colombia is absolutely stagnant, due to Jesuitical politics, the bane of all good Catholic countries. If she could shake off priestcraft she'd have a chance--provided she didn't fall into orthodox Protestantism." Josè gasped, though he strove to hide his wonder. "You--" he began hesitatingly, "you were in the ministry--?" "Yes. Don't be afraid to come right out with it. I was a Presbyterian divine some six years ago, in Cincinnati. Ever been there?" Josè assured him that he had never seen the States. "H'm," mused the ex-preacher; "great country--wonderful--none like it in the world! I've been all over, Europe, Asia, Africa--seen 'em all. America's the original Eden, and our women are the only true descendants of mother Eve. No question about it, that apple incident took place up in the States somewhere--probably in Ohio." Josè caught the man's infectious humor and laughed heartily. Surely, this American was a tonic, and of the sort that he most needed. "Then, you are--still touring--?"