“Your servant? Ah, ’tis the young gentleman who lost the mule at Santa Barbara in a game of cards, eh? You finally reached San Diego de Alcalá, then? And what mean you about a servant? This Indian dog is a runaway neophyte from the Santa Barbara presidio, as you know, having seen him there, and I am about to render punishment.” “Runaway he may be, but he also is my servant, and I’ll thank you to release him.” “Then you are not in proper company, _señor_. This cur, as I happen to know, is disloyal. He may cut your throat while you sleep and open the gates to a savage horde. But if you would have him for servant, take him, and watch and beat him well. There will be time for me to attend to him later; at present there are other duties to be performed. Where, may I ask, can I find a man known as Rojerio Rocha?” “I am so known, sergeant.” “Ah! You don’t mind telling your name now, eh? This is different than it was at Santa Barbara? So you are Rojerio Rocha? I have been told it might profit me to watch you.” “What do you mean by that?” the other demanded angrily. “The meaning is not clear to me. I have but received a warning, _señor_, and, being a good soldier and these being turbulent times, I never ignore a warning, no matter from what source it comes nor whom it concerns. What is your business here?” “I still retain the Governor’s pass, sergeant.” “Captain Fly-by-Night has a Governor’s pass, if it comes to that, yet he scarcely is a reputable person. I believe, in passing, that you had the honour of crossing blades with him yesterday?” “I did,” said the other, his white face flushing red. “And the cause of your quarrel?” “I do not recognise your right to question.” “Since my _comandante_ is away in the hills chasing this Fly-by-Night I am ranking officer here and do as I please, Señor Rocha. I ask the cause of your quarrel because I would know the extent of enmity between you and judge as to the value of the hint I have received.” “You mean I have been denounced by this Fly-by-Night?” “Precisely, _señor_.” “Hah! And how did you receive the hint, as you call it? Is communication open between you and Captain Fly-by-Night, regarding whom there is an order to take, dead or alive?” “There was a way of communication,” the sergeant admitted, chewing vigorously at his moustache and his face flushing in turn. “I scarcely think you need credit any warning concerning myself that Fly-by-Night would give. He perhaps hopes to cause me annoyance. We fought because of a boast he made regarding a certain young lady.” “Over a woman, eh? If there is a woman in it I am inclined to wash my hands of the matter. A saint can turn liar when there is a woman concerned. You might inform me, however, to set my mind at rest, regarding your business here.” “I have inherited half of the Fernandez rancho, sergeant, and have come to take possession.”