'"
Hurlstone made a gesture of contempt.
"I suppose they pay me the respect of considering me a friend of the
old priest. So be it! I hope they will let the responsibility fall on me
alone."
"The Padre is already proscribed as one of the Council," said Senor
Perkins quietly.
"Do you mean to say," said Hurlstone impetuously, "that you will permit
a hair of that innocent old man's head to be harmed by those wretches?"
"You are generous but hasty, my friend," said Senor Perkins, in gentle
deprecation. "Allow me to put your question in another way. Ask me if
I intend to perpetuate the Catholic Church in Todos Santos by adding
another martyr to its roll, and I will tell you--No! I need not say
that I am equally opposed to any proceedings against Banks, Crosby, and
yourself, for diplomatic reasons, apart from the kindly memories of our
old associations on this ship. I have therefore been obliged to return
to the excellent Martinez his little list, with the remark that I should
hold HIM personally responsible if any of you are molested. There
is, however, no danger. Messrs. Banks and Crosby are with the other
Americans, whom we have guaranteed to protect, at the Mission, in the
care of your friend the Padre.
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