"There are three of us; you will see the others in a few moments. They watch the road farther on. It is usual for us to patrol in twos, but of late some have not returned. A revolution is a bad time for rurales; one pays old reckonings then."
Kit smiled. "I imagine it would have been bad for any Galdarero who had tried to steal away down the road. But I expect you know me?"
"We have orders about you, señor; you see a servant of yours," the rural answered with a bow. "But it might be better if you told us your plans."
After giving him a cigarette, Kit sent the sailor to tell the others and when the rurales came up offered them a share of the breakfast his men had cooked. While they ate he told them what had brought him there and where he was going.
"So the American is dead? I have seen him at the presidio," one remarked. "Well, señor, it would be prudent to finish your business at Salinas to-night. After that, I do not know. There has been fighting and some of the president's soldiers have been killed in the swamps."
"I must finish the business," Kit replied. "It does not matter what happens afterwards."
The rural nodded. "The American talked like that. Quick and short, but what he said went. However, we will go to Salinas with you when you are ready."
Kit got up and gave his men an order. "I am ready now."
They set off soon afterwards and reached the mission as the light was fading. Two small, mud buildings and a little church stood among some ruins in an opening, and a frail old man met the party at the gate. He took off his hat when the sailors put down the coffin, and then listened to Kit's quiet narrative.
"This poor place is yours; it was a prosperous mission long since," he said. "In this country, men no longer build, but plot and destroy—it is easier than the other. Now we will put the coffin in the church and then I will give you food."