“What is the meaning of that?” the caballero demanded. His face had flushed with sudden anger, for he did not like the fray’s tone or manner. “I have a pass here signed by His Excellency the Governor. You will scarcely refuse to accommodate me now, I take it.” The fray read the pass and handed it back. “It passes my understanding that you possess such a paper,” he said. “Yet, on the other hand, it is not a matter to excite wonder. It is understood that the Governor is not particular to whom he issues passes.” “I shall take it upon myself to see you punished for your insolence, fray! A man who wears a gown should know more of courtesy.” “There is no horse here for you, _señor_. I have spoken.” “You are not the only horse owner in San Juan Capistrano!” “No man here will sell you one, nor give it you, nor make an exchange.” “And why is that?” “Need you question?” “Most certainly I question. This is the first discourtesy I have found along El Camino Real. Even the soldiers at the Santa Barbara presidio aided me on my way, gave me food and wine. The good fray at San Fernando recommended me to a friend in Reina de Los Angeles. And here, it appears, one cannot even buy a horse with gold. I await your explanation, fray.” “I have no explanation to give you, _señor_, nor do I recognise your right to one. If the frailes to the north have been misled, I have nothing to say. We of the south, however, have scant courtesy for men of a certain stamp.” “Now by the good saints----!” “The good saints are better off your lips, _señor_!” cried the fray angrily. Neophytes had been crowding about, drawn by the quarrel. The caballero whirled upon them, to find some grinning. His hand dropped to his sword-hilt. “The road stretches toward the south, _señor_,” the fray resumed. “And we are crowded here in San Juan Capistrano.” “You are ordering me away, perhaps?” “I am leaving it to your good judgment to go.” “I am not a man to be trifled with, fray. This discourtesy is like to cost you dear!” “I pay my debts, _señor_. If it costs me, I pay.” “You refuse to respect the Governor’s pass?” “I refuse to recognise your right to have it,” the fray replied. He turned about and started inside the storehouse. The caballero took a quick step forward and clutched the other by the shoulder and whirled him around. “Cloth or no cloth, no man treats me like this!” he exclaimed. “A horse--immediately!” The fray uttered an exclamation; the neophytes crowded closer. Releasing his man, the caballero drew his sword and turned upon them. “Back, dogs!” he cried. “I do not like your stench! And you, fray, fetch me a horse, before I run you through!” “You----!” The fray seemed to grow taller in his sudden anger. “You dare to threaten me, _señor_? A man of your stripe----” “I have had enough of this mystery!” “Out of my sight! Take your way to the south, or the north if it pleases you, but quit San Juan Capistrano this minute! Else I will not be responsible----”