"You seem surprised," he managed to say; "I guess I am." The gleam in his eyes showed the pleasure he felt. "I didn't expect to find you here."
"But where do you come from?"
"From the San Lucar lagoon; traveled as fast as I could, but lost my companions in the bush. They belong to your party."
The priest came forward and Walthew recognized Father Agustin.
"There has been a mistake," the priest said to Blanca, and bowed to Walthew. "You will excuse me; I have an order to give."
Walthew thought it had something to do with his arrival. He was no longer suspicious, but puzzled. He was among friends, but they had received him in a curious manner.
He turned to Blanca with a smile.
"It looks as if I'm intruding, but I hope you won't turn me out."
"Oh, no," she said with a compassionate glance that thrilled him. "You seem ill and tired. Are you hurt?"
"Not much; a scratch on my head. But are you safe here? They told us the woods were full of the President's soldiers."