A great cheering was heard in the courtyard.
"Go, see the cause, and come and tell me, Antonio."
"Glorious news!" the Indian hastening back. "Pedro Carrasca returns from Monterey two hours before the time, and has an abundance of Jesuit bark in his saddlebags. More yet, good padre. A messenger from Dario. He is the third messenger sent—Yoscolo and Stanislaus must have captured the others. Dario has driven our herds far into the valley of the San Joaquin River; and, the man says, soon will they fat for the matanza" (the killing).
"'Tis well, Juan. Bring me a portion of the bark, then I'll rest a little. In the chapel to-night pray fervently for rain, and thank God for his mercies; and ask him to avert war and bloodshed from our province here, and from the whole world. Shut the door now. Carry my blessing to the children when they are assembled for evening prayer."
The door closed and the major-domo went about his many tasks.
CHAPTER VI
THE MERIENDA
"Daughter mine, awake! 'Tis the day of the merienda."
"I'm up, little papa."
A rasp of file on flint was heard as she struck a light.