And, without awaiting the monk's reply, the squatter turned his back and stalked into an inner room. For some time past, Ellen had been asleep, and so the monk remained alone with the squatter's sons. For some minutes they remained in silence.
"Bah," the monk at length said cautiously, "however much he may struggle, it must happen."
Sutter shook his head dubiously.
"No," he said, "you do not know the old one; once he has said no, he sticks to it."
"Hum!" Nathan added, "He has greatly changed lately; of all his old character, he seems only to have kept his obstinacy; I am afraid you will fail, señor Padre."
"Live and learn," the latter said gaily; "tomorrow has to come; in the meanwhile, gentlemen, let us follow his advice, and go to sleep."
Ten minutes later all slept, or seemed to sleep, in the jacal: the storm lasted the night through, howling furiously. At daybreak, the squatter rose, and went out to see what sort of weather it was. The day promised well; the sky was pure, and the sun rose radiantly. Red Cedar, therefore, started for the corral to saddle his horse, and those of his comrades. Before leaving the household, however, he looked around, and suddenly uttered an exclamation of surprise as he started back. He had noticed a horseman coming up at full speed.
"Father Seraphin!" he muttered in astonishment; "What serious reason can bring him here, at such an hour and in such haste?"
At this moment the other entered the keeping room, and the squatter heard the sound of the footsteps behind him. He turned quickly.
"Hide yourselves," he said hoarsely.