"As the Englishman has made his appearance my anxiety concerning him is over," remarked the padre. "Certainly! Certainly!" observed Barcelo. "No cause for alarm. The man was taken by drink and cooked up a story to suit the case." "How clever the Colonel, my brother-in-law, is!" again from Señora Valentino. "With his work as comandante and the added duties of acting-governor, I cannot see how he will have time to turn," said his wife, admiringly. The friar laughed gently, Mendoza, more loudly. "From the viewpoint of a simple mission-administrator I can appreciate what such double work must mean. I trust the Englishman will be more wary in the future against kidnapers, that you may not be further burdened from that quarter at least." Barcelo winked knowingly. "Brandy overnight usually leaves headache in the morning. The man must be a seasoned drunkard, for when I saw him there was no sign of his debauch. Of course he has now learned the strength of our native product, and I hope will govern himself accordingly." The serving peons with respectful insistence were knocking at the door. The guests were coming in numbers. The Señora Mendoza came into the room, curtsied to the company, then said to her father, "Papacito, many seek thee." "Yes, yes, my child." "The child is right," said Barcelo. "Señor Mendoza, your place is with your arriving company. Come, señoras, let us forth to the grounds. It is known that I am here. Many will be looking for me." Then in a confidential aside to Mendoza: "Will you write a letter to the secretary of state in Mexico City setting forth my qualifications for the governorship? State what you know for and against," with an air of great frankness. "I'll do as you ask, Colonel." Turning to the friar: "Now, Señor Padre, we will resume. The guests will be well attended without my ministrations for the present." Padre Osuna placed a small package in his hand. "This is the Jesuit bark you brought me in my recent illness. I could not accept it from you as Administrator Mendoza, highly as I esteem the qualities of character which led you to bring it to me. From Señor Mendoza I should have greatly valued the favor." The other bowed understandingly. "Still I cannot separate Señor Mendoza from Administrator Mendoza." "Let it then be so. Adios, Señor Mendoza," and the friar stepped into the corridor. Everywhere was the hum of voices and echoes of laughter. Bursts of music sounded from various parts of the house or grounds where musicians had been stationed. Many salutations from the California gentry met the priest as he passed along. Just outside the outer gate a hand was laid softly on his arm. "May I have a few words with Padre Osuna?" It was the Señora Valentino. The light made splendid play on her gown and jewels. The woman was young and fair, as well as exquisitely clad, but all this seemed to be put away as she stood beside the dull-robed friar.