“Let some of them accompany us. They are looking for this Captain Fly-by-Night, and they are as like to find him in the neighbourhood of the rancho as elsewhere. Your Indians will not attack if we have half a dozen troopers along, and they will not attack in daytime at any rate. If things do not look as they should we can return this evening. It is but a journey of five miles.” “Your argument is a good one, Rojerio Rocha, but I still think it would be madness to make the trip.” “I wish it. I am tired of the mission already. Was it not the intention for me to take over the rancho immediately and wed Señorita Anita after a proper interval? If you hope to be continued in the post of manager, Señor Lopez, do not begin our acquaintance by opposing everything I wish.” Lopez turned away at that and walked to the window again, although he did not like the tone of this Rojerio Rocha and imagined there were unpleasant times ahead. And now the mild Señora Vallejo crossed the room to rest a hand on the younger man’s arm. “Perhaps it would be better, Señor Rocha, to take the advice of Señor Lopez,” she said, in her soft voice. “You are a very good woman, _señora_,” he replied, “but a poor contributor to a council of men’s intentions.” The _señora_, her face flushing, went quickly back to the fireplace. “And I do not fancy the trip,” Señorita Anita put in, with more spirit than Señora Vallejo had shown. “I think, Señor Rocha----” He whirled upon her, and she ceased speaking. “_Señorita_,” he said, “I am proud to know you, and allow me to say I am quite sure you were taught not to interfere in any arrangements the head of the family might see fit to make.” “Allow me to say that you are not the head of the family yet,” the girl returned, half angrily. “I am, however, half owner of the rancho, I believe, through your father’s will, and I think you may trust me, _señorita_, to handle these affairs.” “As to that, you have shown no credentials yet,” the girl burst out. “Anita!” Señora Vallejo cried. “Well, he has not!” “You doubt me?” the young man wished to know. “I shall show my credentials, prove my name and station, at the proper time, _señorita_, but certainly not here at the mission. I regret we have had this little unpleasantness, for I would win your good favour, but I am firm in my determination to go to the rancho this morning. Perhaps my wound has made me sensitive.” The girl crossed the room toward him, all apology, and when she spoke her voice was softer than it had been before. “I ask you to pardon me, Rojerio Rocha,” she said. “I had forgotten that you were wounded in defence of my good name. Since I hope to carry out the wishes of my dear, dead father, I would be friendly with you, and I hope that true affection comes. And perhaps I did wrong to voice my opinion in this matter, being but a girl. It shall be as you wish, _señor_. We go to the rancho.”