"Senora," I whispered, "why do you come? I have no fear of the disease, but why should you needlessly expose yourself?" "Little fool," she answered, pushing me gently on, "there is no fever, no contagion here." Wondering still, I entered the narrow passage, and beyond it a dimly lighted room. On the floor lay a long wooden stretcher covered with hide; at its foot and head, fixed each in a rude socket, were two candles, still unlighted. A brass pot with long chains, and a heap of dark cloth, lay upon the floor; there was also a rough table on which stood a bottle of water and a loaf of bread; otherwise, except for a dim lamp upon the wall, the room was empty. Dona Orosia looked around, with quick eyes taking in every detail; then she turned to Padre Felipe. "Can you trust the bearers?" He bowed his head. "Then the only difficulty is this old woman. Better to leave her behind." But again I pleaded most earnestly; and presently the friar left the room and returned soon after with a dingy cloak, with which he enveloped the poor dame from head to foot. "Let her follow behind," he said, "and if there is no trouble she may pass out with us." He charged her, then, to keep her face hidden and to stand well away from the light of the candles. After that there was a pause, and the Spanish woman and the friar looked at each other. "See you do not fail!" she said. "And remember your word," he replied. "A solid silver service for the new mission chapel at San Juan,--I swear it," was the quick response; "that is, if you succeed." The friar folded his arms silently. "Nay, then, in any case! only do your utmost," whispered Dona Orosia hurriedly. "The result is as God wills it," said Padre Felipe calmly, and, pointing to the stretcher, he bade me lie down upon it. I did so, trembling in every limb, and he would have covered me over with the wrappings when the Governor's wife pushed him aside, knelt down herself, and slipped into my hand a little dagger, whispering: "In case you are discovered." I hid it in my bosom, thanking her. "Farewell, senora," I said, with tears, "you have been kind to me and I am very grateful. Whether or not I win freedom and friends, I believe you have done your utmost for me. I cannot think"--and I lifted my head close to hers and whispered--"I cannot think it is for revenge alone. There must be some pity prompting it." "Thou little foolish one," she said, and laughed, pushing me back upon the bier. Then suddenly I felt a hot tear drop upon my forehead. She stooped lower and kissed me on the cheek. I gave a little cry and would have risen again; but she drew the dark coverings over me and I could see no longer. As I felt her soft hands tucking me in, as a mother would her babe, I could only weep silently and pray God bless her.