From the gate of the Franciscan monastery he went direct to that of the grim dark pile of building called the Santa Casa. Here he rang the bell, and requested an interview with one of their reverences the Lords Inquisitors. A request heard with surprise, yet granted promptly enough. The Indian might have evidence to give, perhaps important revelations to make. José glanced coolly around the room to which he was conducted, with its sombre furniture and black tapestry. When the inquisitor, a Dominican monk, made his appearance, he bowed like a Spanish hidalgo, and then with the utmost self-possession preferred his petition. He was Fray Fernando’s servant, he said. The holy father was used to his ministrations, and could not well do without them, more especially as his health was feeble. Might he entreat, therefore, to be permitted to share his imprisonment and to wait on him? José would gladly have stooped far lower to aid or comfort his adopted father; for love casts out not only fear, but pride. Whatever astonishment the inquisitor might have felt at his request, he expressed none. He answered courteously that the petition should receive the earliest attention of their reverences, and that he would himself use his best interest to further it. He then asked several questions, which José answered truly, but cautiously, for he was fully alive to the danger of compromising the patre by his admissions. “The honourable Table of the Holy Office sits to-day,” said this urbane specimen of an inquisitor. “We will try what can be done for you. We hold the character of Fray Fernando in much esteem, and are desirous of showing him all the kindness and consideration in our power.” “I have been, perhaps, needlessly afraid of these inquisitors,” thought José, who had never heard of “the iron hand within the velvet glove.” He said aloud, “When may I have the honour of waiting on your reverence, in order to be informed of the decision of the holy fathers?” “You may call to-morrow morning, an hour after matins. Good-day, Señor José.” The last words were spoken with a slight but observable hesitation. The holy father intended to be courteous, but he was really at a loss in what manner to designate a person who adopted the style and title of an Inca, yet described himself as the servant of a Franciscan monk. “Señor José” was a harmless compromise between the much-coveted and high-sounding “Don José” and plain unprefaced “José.” Next morning, José presented himself at the Santa Casa precisely at the appointed hour. Few ever entered its gloomy gates before or since so willingly. He did not even shudder as he heard them close behind him, he thought only how soon he might be permitted to see the patre.