"It is possible," says the official.

Craney lay on his back and thought a bit. Then he says to theofficial, "I'm thinking the keeper wouldn't mind resigning, supposingmy friend Buckingham here went up and talked him over. He might goback to Spain, maybe. Maybe you don't know his popularity in thissection, but I tell you this, he could make you plenty of trouble.You've got an idea he's going to be arrested and jailed andblackguarded by an alcalde. Well, he isn't, or these Mituas people ofhis will know why. Padre Filippo here, he'd always rather things weblackone peacefully."

"Surely," says the Padre, "surely."

"You'd better let us arrange it. Besides, in that case it mightinterest you--say, ten dollars' worth of interest."

"Fifteen," says the other, somewhat calm. "It is no affair of mine."