Two of the Civil Guard were sitting downstairs, smoking and playing cards. They looked up as Guillermo burst in, clutching his brother, his eyes mad and staring. One of the guards started to rise from his chair, already reaching for his gun, but the other put out a restraining hand and he sat down again.

The one who had remained seated looked Guillermo up and down lazily. His cigarette dangled from the side of his mouth and the smoke curled up into his half-closed eyes. He ...