"I am he," the captain replied, somewhat disconcerted at the abruptness of the inquiry. Quickly recovering his presence of mind, however, he added, with perfect calmness, "You have probably come, holy father, to take charge of the precious remains intrusted to my care by Father Antonio, of Cuba?" The Jesuit bowed his head, in token of assent. "And I have the honor of addressing Father Hieronimo?" "You have," was the reply. "You are no doubt the bearer of a letter for me, from Father Antonio?" "Here it is," said Father Hieronimo, handing Captain Perez a letter. "I beg a thousand pardons, holy father," the captain said, with much humility, "but I hope you will not take offence at these necessary precautions?" "On the contrary they speak in your favor." "I see all is right," said the captain, "and I will go myself and order the coffin brought on shore." The captain went immediately on board, Father Hieronimo meanwhile placing himself at an open window whence he could over-look the vessel and watch every movement. The coffin was brought on shore by eight sailors, who, bending under its weight, slowly approach the captain's quarters. "How heavy it is, how _very_ heavy," said the Jesuit, rubbing his hands in exultation. Captain Perez had of course accompanied the coffin from the vessel, and now that he was about to deliver it into Father Hieronimo's keeping, he said to him, in a solemn and impressive manner, "I place in your hands, holy father, the precious remains intrusted to my care." "I receive them with pious joy." "The responsibility was great." "It will henceforth be mine." "It was a precious treasure." "Very precious." "I have watched over it with vigilance." "God will reward you." "I hope so." "From this hour every thing will prosper with you." "Do you think so, holy father?" "I am sure of it. I must now bid you adieu." "You have forgotten, holy father, to give me a receipt; but if--" "You are right," said the Jesuit, "it had escaped me." And he seated himself at a table on which lay writing materials, first sending a servant for his carriage. The receipt spoke of the piety and zeal of Captain Perez in the most flattering terms; and, while the captain was reading it with becoming humility, the carriage drew up opposite to the coffin, which was soon resting upon the cushioned seats within the vehicle. "I go immediately to Madrid," said Father Hieronimo. "You can no doubt imagine the impatience of the holy fathers to possess the sacred relics; they have waited so long. Once more adieu, believe me we shall never forget you." With these words, and a parting benediction on Perez, Father Hieronimo stepped into the carriage, and, with his holy remains by his side, started at a brisk trot of his well-fed mules on the road to Madrid. When fairly out of sight and hearing of Captain Perez, the good father laughed aloud. "The captain, poor simple soul," said he, "suspects nothing."