New-York tribune., 1920-10-03
dontl You'll never belong to himl
I've passed sentence on him-condemned

don'tl You'll never belong to himl
I've passed sentence on him-condemned
him.
Maria Why don't you come out in
the open--and accuse him?
Xavier-Accuse him? No! When
they were investigating the crime |
refused to speak-and I still refuse!
Don't be afraid, l won't turn him over
to the authorities. I'm saving him for
myself! Don't you understand? That
revenge belongs to me. Two things in
man are stronger than his body and
stronger than the call of death. One
is love, and one is hate Two things
have drawn me back to lfe-to have
you, and to Kill himl
Maria-God won't let you. Oh, Xavier.
beg of you -.
Domingo, the father of Xavier,
enters. He takes in the scene at a
glance; he understands what has
been going on between the two Young
people. Xavier coughs repeatedly.
Domingo-Mass has begun
Aavier-Yes. I'm coming.
Domingo-I have had seat kept for
you. Go along, my boy, I've seen the
doctor, and he's coming to see you this
afternoon.
Xavier Con steps)-Your doctor can't
give me what I need!
mlngo--Now-now my son-you
promised me you would see him.
Havier-Maria del Carmen, you are
not angry with me?
Maria-No.
Xavier goes slowly into the chapel,
leaving mis- father with Maria. Do
mlngo tells Maria what the doctor
has said that Xavier cannot be cured
by medicine, but that only Maria's
love can do it. Domingo asks if it is
such terrible thing for a girl to
wed man who loves her, but Maria
replies that she can't forget Pencho
Domingo-How much do you love
him?
Maria-I would be nailed to a cross
for his sake.
Domingo-Then you'd make sacri-
fee to save him? You'd be willinp IN
save my son, if at the samo time you
could save Pcncho?
Maria-What must dot
Domingo-You remember tho ,nvcs-
tigation after Xavier was stabbed?
Manufacturing was proved aeainst
Pencho.
Domingo-Bccause my son refused to
tell what he knew. He has dream of
revenge-all his own. But what If I
should tell what know?
Maria-You?
Domingo-If I do, I'll put chain
around your Pencho's neck for life.
And if my boy should die--I'll send
your Poncho to the gallows.
Maria-What could you prove!
Domingo-More than Xavier could
My son could say to the authorities:
This is the man who stabbed me"
That would be only an accusation. But
| can furnish the proof
Mara-Oh, mol don't believe YOU.
Domingo-Do 7 look like a man who
lies? That night my son was wounded
| heard sounds of fighting. I ran to
the bank of the canal. All found was
the body Of my son, terribly wounded
in the breast, and beside him on the
ground dagger. A well known dag
GER stained with blood. A dagger with
a song engraved on the blade. Pencho's
dagger, Maria del Carmen.
Maria-That isn't proof! How can
you prove that you found it where
you say? You had no witnesses!
Domingo-That dagger Is in nv
house, in the bottom of a chest. "A
piece of the metalwork from the han
die is missing.
Maria-And that piece?
Domingo-The police found 1t on the
ground where Xavier had fallen. So
I think you can understand My silence
IS in your hands. I haven't told this
before, because Of Xavier. He wanted
his own vengeance on Pencho, and the
mere thought that might take 1t from
him sent his fever up. He has fright
cneq me into silence But he cannot
any more. II he cannot live, then
shall bring Pencho to justice.
Maria-If you've made up your mind,
why have you told me this?
Domingo Because I feel-because !
know-that Xavier has a chance for
life. If you Will marry him.
Maria-And if | dont-youIl de-
nounce Pencho?
Domingo-As God is my witness!
Maria-It's crucl-cruel, You ask
me to be guilty Of treachery! I told
your son, moment ago, and now I
tell you-1 belong to Pencho for life
and until death! (She turns to the
shrineO Oh, Mother of Godl Protect
me- Save us.
Domingo-Then you refuse'
Maria-Yes, refuse.
But finally Maria agrees to marry
Xavier.
The worshipers emerge from the
chapel Maria's parents arrive. Domin-