“Then whenever I see a ‘sunerbell’ I shall know I see an ‘enemy,’ too,” rejoined Carlota, with conviction.
CHAPTER III
REFUGIO
Nobody living knew how old the House of Refuge was.
Guadalupo, who seemed as native to the soil as the cacti at its gates, affirmed that it did not “grow any older.” He had been born there and he had found it “just so.” It had never changed.
It was an abandoned Franciscan Mission, with chapel and cloister and bell-tower. Within that square, corner belfry still hung the curious bells, each with a rude, jangling clapper between its iron discs. Tradition said that these quaint bells were rung by the ancient Padres not only to summon their neophytes to religious services but, also, to their meals; and this hospitable custom was still followed by Adrian Manuel, into whose possession as a private residence the Mission had now come.
Early in his occupation he had carefully restored the half-obliterated Spanish text over the refectory door: “It is the House of Refuge. Enter and be glad, all ye who will.” Thereafter, so far as lay within his power, the new master of old Refugio made that legend the rule of his own household.
So when old Marta saw the children returning so soon, accompanied by strangers, she set the fire ablaze and, at once, prepared a pot of her delicious coffee. When, putting a loaf and a knife upon the oaken table, she repaired to the doorway and, with many obeisances, awaited the party’s approach.
The sight of her banished all perplexities from Carlota’s mind, and she ran forward to take her own rightful place at the housekeeper’s side; for, as her beloved father often told her, was she not the little mistress of his home? Thence she announced with her best manner:
“Welcome, friends. We are very happy to see you at Refugio.” Yet she whispered to old Marta: “Brother and I think that these people are ‘enemies,’ but then they’re guests, too. They have come to see my father.”
The strangers politely returned the child’s salutation and again the elder Mr. Disbrow exclaimed: “So, this is Refugio!”