CHAPTER XVII.
Basilio La vida es sueno.
Basilio was scarcely inside when he staggered and fell into his mother's arms.

An inexplicable chill seized Sisa as she saw him enter alone.

She wanted to speak but could make no sound; she wanted to embrace her son but lacked the strength; to weep was impossible.

At sight of the blood which covered the boy's forehead she cried in a tone that seemed to come from a breaking heart, "My sons!" "Don't be afraid, mother," Basilio reassured her.

"Crispin stayed at the convento." "At the convento?
He stayed at the convento?
Is he alive ?" The boy raised his eyes to her.