"The pueblo soldiers were already scouring the Los Gatos hills near Santa Cruz for the ubiquitous Indian leaders," said Señor Mendoza, "word having come in from that region that an attack was imminent. A messenger from the pueblo met us in the foothills not long before you came. With him rode away Captain Morando, to join his men and their lieutenant, my fighting peons accompanying him. We rested our horses. A rapid count of carretas by lantern light discovered the absence of my daughter and the señora dueña. At that moment you came, reverend padre."
The priest bowed. "I greatly regret that a sudden recurrence of illness prevented me from going farther with you that night. I tarried home till Juan Antonio came through the driving rain with news of the lost ones' safety. Strength soon returning, I went on my way to Santa Clara and farther."
"You set out at midnight, in the howling storm?"
"Yes, Señor Mendoza. Duty called me."
"That is the reply of a soldier, Padre Osuna."
"I am a soldier of the cross, señor."
"Well said! Well said! good sir."
"Allow me to explain, señor, why I have thus come to you when you are about to open your festivities. Less than an hour ago I returned from my journey. A messenger from Monterey was at the Mission bearing written words from the representative of England there. The message stated that an English citizen disappeared two days ago in the capital city. He left the home of Colonel Barcelo that afternoon and no one has seen him since. Much anxiety is felt over his absence."
A peon appeared in the doorway. "Colonel Barcelo and lady, with Señora Valentino, await you, Señor Mendoza. The Colonel asks a moment's private interview."
"Excuse me for a short time, reverend padre?"