"Has he gone?" asked Doña Eustaquia. "Then let us go in the house, for the fog comes from the bay."
They went into the little sala and sat about the table. Doña Eustaquia picked up a silver dagger she used as a paper cutter and tapped a book with it.
"Ay, this will not last long," she said to Brotherton. "I much am afraid your Commodore send you to the South to fight with our men."
"I shall return," said Brotherton, absently. His eyes were fixed on the door.
"But it will not be long that you will be there, my friend. Many people are not killed in our wars. Once there was a great battle at Point Rincon, near Santa Barbara, between Castro and Carillo. Carillo have been appointed governor by Mejico, and Alvarado refuse to resign. They fight for three days, and Castro manage so well he lose only one man, and the others run away and not lose any."
Brotherton laughed. "I hope all our battles may be as bloodless," he said, and then drew a short breath.
Russell, accompanied by Don Jorje and Doña Francesca Hernandez and the priest of Monterey, entered the room.
Doña Eustaquia rose and greeted her guests with grace and hospitality.
"But I am glad to see you, my father, my friends. And you always are welcome, Señor Russell; but no more joke. Where is our Blandina? Sit down—Why, what is it?"
The priest spoke.