“And when will you attain so perfect an arrangement, so great a harmony, as the Catholic, created in twenty centuries? When?”
“We shall attain a different, better harmony.”
“Oh, I doubt it.”
“Naturally. That is just what the pagans might have said to the Christians; and perhaps with reason, because Christianity, compared to paganism, was a retrogression.”
“That point we cannot discuss,” said Father Lafuerza, getting up.
Cæsar got up too.
“In spite of all this, I admire you, because I believe you are sincere,” said Father Martin. “But I believe you to be dangerous and I should be happy to get you out of Castro.”
“I feel the same way about you, and I should also be happy to get you out of here, as an unwholesome element.”
“So that we are open, loyal enemies.” “Loyal! Pshaw! We are ready to do each other all the harm possible.”
“For my part, yes, and in any way,” announced the priest with energy.