The instant I learned that the late cardinal's death was certain, I repaired to the king.

I have the promise of the appointment; and this night your name shall, if you accept the condition, and Calderon does not, in the interim, see the king and prevent the nomination, receive the royal sanction." "Our excellent Aliaga cannot hesitate," said Don Gaspar de Guzman.

"The order of Loyola rests upon shoulders that can well support the load." Before that trio separated, the compact was completed.

Aliaga practised against his friend the lesson he had preached to him--that the end sanctifies all means.

Scarce had Aliaga departed ere Juan de la Nuza entered; for Uzeda, who sought to make the Inquisition his chief instrument of power, courted the friendship of all its officers.