"Señorita, I will leave Captain Morando with you a few minutes, while I find men and improvise a litter. As for you, son of Belial," speaking to Stanislaus, "walk before me until I can get safe custody for you." Padre Osuna drove the sulky renegade up the path. Carmelita brought fresh water and bathed the wounded man's face. He lay very still. At last he opened his eyes. "Carmelita, what are you doing here?" "Never mind that till later." "I went part way to Monterey with Señor Mendoza, then I returned to San José, where I received your message," he said in weak voice. "I could only bring a few volunteers, my soldiers having continued on with the señor." "Please do not talk. You are not strong enough. The padre will soon bring assistance, and we will take you to my father's house." He lay quiet once more. The girl thought he slept. Her smooth hands continued bathing his face. "I didn't mean to offend you, Carmelita. I didn't know--of your engagement--to Don Abelardo." "So you have heard that old story! Why, Alfredo, I have never been engaged to anyone." His eyes opened wide. A faint flush spread over his pale cheeks. "Never engaged--never engaged--you are not going to marry Peralta--not marry him?" "No," she smiled. CHAPTER XXIX A DEPARTURE "Señor Mendoza, there is no use to continue this parley. It does no good. I have possession of California. That possession I shall retain." "The enlightened will of the people of this province must decide whether you retain possession, or relinquish it, Commodore Billings." The two were standing within the fort, at a window. They were alone. The marines of the frigate United States and the sloop-of-war Cyane were drilling not far away. The soft, "plush, plush, plush" of their feet could be heard, following the staccato calls for maneuvers. "I relinquish possession only when forced to do so." "The proposal was made and accepted that your government hold Monterey tentatively." "Never accepted by me. Our consideration of that question was broken up by Señor Zelaya sprinting in with news that Fairbanks's ships were passing south. The subject was not taken up again." "But O'Donnell accepted it, Commodore. He has letters from Mr. Tyler, your President, countersigned by your Secretary of State, giving him full power to act for his government." "Produce O'Donnell and his papers, Colonel Mendoza." "O'Donnell started eastward at midnight, as you well know. Two months will scarce see his return." "Señor Mendoza, I found the capital here without government of any kind; in other words, deserted." "The absence of the people's servants, whether in fort or government house, does not make void that people's rights." "I led my ships through peril of fog and night, to gain advantage of the British. Had they reached here before me, then, Señor Mendoza, this enlightened will of which you speak might go to Jericho."