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"I understand very well; your reverence ought--However, I would

as a friend inform you of a matter which it is necessary you

should know. This Father Christopher has taken under his

protection a young man of that country, one of whom your

reverence must have heard; him who recently escaped from the

hands of justice, on the terrible day of San Martin-Lorenzo

Tramaglino!"

"I had not heard of this," said the father provincial; "but your

excellency knows that it is the duty of our order to seek those

who have gone astray, for the purpose of leading them back."

"That is true; but I thought it best to give you this

information, because, if ever his holiness-the intelligence of it

may have been sent to Rome."

"I am much obliged to your excellency for the information.

However, I am certain, that if the affair is enquired into, it

will be found that Father Christopher has had no connection with

this man but for the purpose of doing him good. I know the father

well."