"Go forth to your duties, man. I can accept no gift from Señor Mendoza if the acceptance implies acknowledgment of his administratorship. I will return him his Jesuit bark. The call of principle is higher than the claim of bodily health." The major-domo closed the door. Sleep came to the friar. The Mission buildings were constructed in accordance with the architecture in vogue in California at that time. Buildings formed three sides of an inclosure, a courtyard gate and wall the fourth. On one side were housed the unmarried Indian women. Across the deep courtyard lived the single men. The third row of structures gave home to the major-domo, the chief vaquero, or herdsman, and the families of each. Under the same roof with these latter were the shops of the carpenters, the blacksmiths, and the various other artisans of the Mission. This side of the square opened into the freedom of the courtyard. A man came to the carpenter shop and stepped within. "Is the padre here?" he inquired. The master carpenter replied, "Our padre is ill." "I have most important letters which should be delivered to him in person." "Go then, to the major-domo." The newcomer walked toward Juan Antonio. In his dress the man was the ordinary traveler of the day. Tanned-skin shirt and trousers, shaggy leggings and wide hat, distinguished him in no manner from a dozen other wayfarers who, between dawn and night, might come on some quest to the Mission. The deep-set, gleaming eyes of the old Indian surveyed him from foot to crown. He saw a man in the prime of life, his face parched by tropical sun to the color of leather. A military mustache was on his lip. "You wish to see me?" asked Juan Antonio. "I wish to see Padre Lusciano. I have letters introducing me to him." "The padre is firmly held by fever-and-ague. Little strength is left to him. If you will, I'll carry your letters to him. I'm going to see him now. You rest, while I'm gone, in the porter's lodge; or, if you like, go over to Señor Mendoza's property across the way." "Thanks, many. I'll wait in the lodge. Here are the letters." The major-domo disappeared into the padre's quarters. Soon he was again at the stranger's side. "Padre Lusciano says come." He followed the Indian through alcove and corridor to the friar's bedroom. "Your name is Captain Farquharson, I learn. Juan Antonio, a chair for this brother. Seat yourself, good sir. Now," to the Indian, "close the door and stay not far away. I'll call you when I want you." They were a short time in earnest conversation. The stranger opened the door to leave. "Antonio," called the padre. The Indian came quickly. "Conduct my visitor outside, then return." Major-domo and caller passed through the courtyard. "Amar Dios!" the Indian said at parting. "Many thanks for your attention," from the other. Juan Antonio returned to the friar's room.