"You meant to hide in the old Church of San Miguel because it is so near to the home where you have kept this little girl. But Gail Clarenden blocked your game and found your house and this child in the church door before our wagon-train had reached the end of the trail. You found this church your nearest refuge, meaning to leave it again early in the morning. I have waited here for you all day, protected by the same means that brought word to Santa Fé this morning. Come out now if you wish. You dare not follow me to the States, but I dare to come to your land. Can you meet me here?" Jondo was handsome in his sunny moods. In his anger he was splendid. Ferdinand Ramero dropped to a seat beside Father Josef. "I have told you I cannot face that man. I will stay here now," he said, in a low voice to the priest. "But I do not stay here always, and I can send where I do not follow," he added, defiantly. Esmond Clarenden was already on his horse with his little charge, snugly wrapped, in his arms. Father Josef at the portal lifted his hand in sign of blessing. "Peace be with you. Do not tarry long," he said. Then, turning to Jondo, he gazed into the strong, handsome face. "Go in peace. He will not follow. But forget not to love even your enemies." In the midnight dimness Jondo's bright smile glowed with all its courageous sweetness. "I finished that fight long ago," he said. "I come only to help others." Long these two, priest and plainsman, stood there with clasped hands, the gray night mists of the Santa Fé Valley round about them and all the far stars of the midnight sky gleaming above them. Then Jondo mounted his horse and rode away up the trail toward Santa Fé. VIII THE WILDERNESS CROSSROADS I will even make a way in the wilderness. --ISAIAH.