They followed the man who was leading the horse. In the open they could see him easily. In the dense growths they followed by the sound. Captain Hamilton was becoming greatly fatigued when a number of well-lighted buildings came into view. Dogs barked and Indian men and women talked excitedly as the party approached. A courtyard gate opened wide to receive them. "Behold the bandits' cave, _Smith_!" said the Commodore. "I see it, _Jones_," replied the injured man. "I declare, it looks good to me. Will the head bandit demand that we prove our identity, or something like that?" "I forgot to tell you that the owner of the premises is away at present. The man who brought us here is major-domo, which might be translated, overseer. I fancy he is altogether in charge and will make us as comfortable as we could wish." The major-domo gave his horse to a peon, then waved his hand to the front door of the house. "Gentlemen, it is as I said before. What you see is yours. Enter your own." "I'm willing," agreed Smith when he was told what had been said. "A bath and a comfortable bed appeal to me just now." They were brought to large, airy chambers within. A hot tub-bath was prepared for Smith; while a peon, skillful in massaging, kneaded his aching muscles. The injury to his knee, sustained in falling, was rather severe. The massaging peon bound it tightly with various poultices of herbs. "I say, man, that's too hot," Smith protested. Jones grinned. "Perhaps the bandit's servant is preparing you like a trussed goose." "I say, Commodore----" "Jones, my friend." "Very well, _Jones_. If this confounded thing were around your leg, you wouldn't laugh. You're my superior officer, and all that----" "I'm _Jones_," the other said, emphatically. "Pardon me Com----I mean, _Jones_. Oh! Ouch! he's taking those weeds right out of boiling water and tying them around my smashed knee. I say, man----" The Indian paid no attention to his remonstrances or squirming. "Why, Jones! Where did you get those clothes?" Jones was attired in the regulation house-dress of the California grandee, from fluted shirt-front to silver-clasped shoes. "Found them in my room, with a peon valet ready to assist me into them. Doubtless you'll be treated the same way." "Well! I'll admire myself. But my bandaged knee wouldn't fit into such trouserettes as you have on." The bandaging was finished at last. The peon spoke to the patient in Spanish. "What is he saying?" "Says for you to go to bed soon. In the morning he will remove the bandages, and hopes your knee will be greatly improved." "Go to bed. Well, the quarters are sumptuous enough. High-posted bed, mahogany bureaus--one, two, three of them; and chairs, mahogany too, and heavy enough for state occasions. It's all fine, if I only had a bite of something to eat." The major-domo entered the room, several peons following him, carrying trays on which were steaming dishes.