Mechanically Sisa approached them, her tongue paralyzed with fear and her throat parched.
"Tell us the truth or we'll tie you to that tree and shoot you," said one of them in a threatening tone.
The woman stared at the tree.
"You're the mother of the thieves, aren't you ?" asked the other.
"Mother of the thieves!" repeated Sisa mechanically.
"Where's the money your sons brought you last night ?" "Ah! The money--" "Don't deny it or it'll be the worse for you," added the other.

"We've come to arrest your sons, and the older has escaped from us.

Where have you hidden the younger ?" Upon hearing this Sisa breathed more freely and answered, "Sir, it has been many days since I've seen Crispin.

I expected to see him this morning at the convento, but there they only told me--" The two soldiers exchanged significant glances.

"All right!" exclaimed one of them.