human
A wretched half-breed boy, some thieving member of the padre's flock, exclaimed the Governor impatiently.
gpt
Set fire to the hut, I say!
human
Padre, what is it that you desire?
gpt
The boy was a Christian, my daughter, and I would give him Christian burial.
human
Surely, said Doña Orosia.
gpt
What is to prevent?
human
Would you spread the infection through the town?
gpt
Nay, said the friar,
human
I ask but a permit to take the body without the gates. None but I and a few of my followers need be exposed to danger. Let a bell be rung before us, to warn all in the streets to stand away; and we will carry a vessel of strong incense before the bier. Those who go out with me, I pledge you my word, shall not return for some days till they are free of all taint themselves.
gpt
My plan is better,--to burn hut, corpse, and all,
human
How shall I keep my hold upon my people, and they retain their faith in consecrated things, if you treat a Christian's body as you would the carcass of a dog?
gpt
As you will, the Governor exclaimed; and, throwing himself into a chair, he called for pen and paper.
human
Here, he added presently,