Less than twenty neophytes remained at the mission now--all day they had been sneaking away one at a time and hurrying to the camp on the rancho--and of those who remained it was a question which were loyal. “’Tis our famous sergeant from Santa Barbara!” the _comandante_ cried. “He rides like that because the matter is urgent, you may be sure.” The foam-flecked horse stopped at the end of the wall with forefeet in the air as the sergeant swung himself backward in the saddle and sprang to the ground. Even as his feet struck the turf his hand snapped to his cap in salute. He was breathing heavily, but he was a soldier of experience, and did not shout his news aloud like a frightened child. “Something of moment to report, _comandante_,” he said. The _comandante_ drew himself up and returned the salute--he was a soldier of experience, too. “Regarding hostiles?” he asked, while the frailes hung on his words. “Regarding hostiles, _señor_.” “Follow me to the guest house, sergeant; you can give me your report there. Have one of the men attend to your horse. Is it of a military nature only, or should the frailes hear?” “They can hear it, _comandante_.” They crossed the plaza, the lieutenant leading the way. There was no haste in their manner. If there were disloyal neophytes about, they would learn nothing from the way in which these soldiers conducted themselves. Behind the lieutenant and sergeant walked four frailes, their heads hanging, sensing what they were to hear. Another fray remained in the plaza, and every neophyte there knew he was being watched. The lieutenant threw open the door of the guest house, and they entered, and the door was closed again. The frailes stood against the wall in a row awaiting the blow they expected. The _comandante_ threw back his shoulders and took a deep breath, and snapped out his order: “Report, sergeant!” “Five hundred or more hostiles are camped on the Fernandez rancho. They are dancing and putting on their paint. I followed when Señor Lopez and Rojerio Rocha took the women there. Four troopers escorted them.” “I am aware of that.” “Two rancho overseers were found knifed. I made an investigation and found the hostile camp. Lopez and the four soldiers rode into the cañon where the camp is located and were slain----” “All?” “All,” said Cassara. “The others?” “Señor Rocha rode toward the cañon as I was starting to return to the house to make an attempt to rescue the women. The hostiles seized him and took him back to the house. Before I could cover the distance they were in the patio--fully two hundred of them. I knew it would be useless to attempt a rescue then, so rode to report.” “And the women----” “Were in the house, _comandante_!” Sergeant Cassara said.