"What a situation! What chaos!" he lamented. "The land is overrun
with bandits; there is no law, no authority, no faith; religion is
made a mockery. The men are becoming infidels and atheists, and in
many places they will not allow us to give comfort even to their
women."
"Is it as bad as that?"
Father O'Malley shook his head sadly. "You've no idea. What do you
think of a people who forbid the mention of God's name in their
schools? That is what the revolutionists are doing. Candeleria
claims that the churches are the property of the State. He
confiscates them, and he charges admission. He has banished all
except a few of us priests, and has shamefully persecuted our
Sisters of Mercy. Oh, the outrages! Mexico is, today, the blackest
spot on the map of Christendom." His voice broke. "That is the
freedom, the liberty, the democracy, for which they are fighting.
That is the new Mexico. And the Federals are not a bit better.
This Longorio, for instance, this--wolf--he brings me here, as his
prisoner, to solemnize an unholy marriage! He treats me like a
dog. Last night I slept in a filthy hovel--"
"Oh! I'm sorry," Alaire exclaimed.
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