It was still dark when Gonzales entered the room with a candle and shook the caballero until he was awake. The rider of the highway found that his clothes had been brushed and neatly folded, that his boots had been greased, and that a huge stone basin filled with cool water stood ready. He plunged his head in the water, dried his face, and went to the adjoining room after dressing, there to find a table heaped high with food. The caballero ate ravenously, scarcely speaking. An Indian entered and spoke to Gonzales in whispers. “Your horse is ready, _señor_,” Gonzales said. “It is a fit animal, able to cover many miles during a day. I have no wish to bereft myself of your companionship by sending you on your way, yet perhaps it would suit your purpose best to be well on the road to San Juan Capistrano by daybreak.” “Your idea is an excellent one, _señor_.” “There is nothing more I can do to serve you?” “You have been kindness itself.” “There is, perhaps, some message?” “Nothing of prime importance at this time, _señor_. I am eager to reach San Diego de Alcalá at the earliest possible moment.” “If you need an Indian----” “The highway stretches plainly before one, _señor_, and an Indian would but delay me.” “I understand that these are turbulent times----” “So the good Fray Felipe said at San Fernando. No doubt it is a true word.” “You mystify me, _señor_, in a measure. Yet a man should not speculate regarding that which does not concern him.” “Very true, Señor Gonzales. I might mention that another traveller may journey along El Camino Real at an early day, as soon as he can procure a horse at Santa Barbara, where I left him behind. I doubt whether he will receive cordial welcome from Fray Felipe--as you say, the good padre is an excellent judge of men. It would not desolate me much if this person were delayed now and then.” “Ah! His name?” “He travels incognito with a pass signed by his excellency, I believe.” “Then--?” There was a puzzled expression on Gonzales’ face. “I travel in such manner myself.” “Still, I do not see----” “It is not for me to criticise his excellency, yet I may say that on a busy day he might issue a pass by mistake, or without having proper investigation.” “Can you not speak to me as man to man, _señor_?” “I regret that I have no information that may be given you. And I must be on my way. Here is a piece of gold----” “Not from you, _señor_.” “Perhaps you are making a mistake. Perhaps you think me a man I am not. I have given you no reason to believe----” “If I made a mistake, _señor_, then Fray Felipe of San Fernando makes one also, and I have learned to trust his judgment.” “Then I thank you for your hospitality and kindness,” the caballero replied. Gonzales led the way out of the house to where the horse was waiting beside the adobe wall. He held a stirrup while the caballero mounted. “You know the way?” he asked. “Until this journey, I never have been south of Monterey,” the rider answered.