“Well, caballero?” he asked.
“Fray Felipe of San Fernando says that you are an honest man, and vouches for me being one, though he never set eyes on me until this day.”
“The good padre seldom makes a mistake in estimating a man.”
“I believe he did say that once he knew a pirate with an honest heart. I have ridden night and day without rest, señor. I do not wish for food at present, yet I would have my horse cared for, and I would like to sleep soundly until an hour before dawn. Fray Felipe assured me a man could do that in your house without having his throat slit before morning.”
“That is true, caballero,” Gonzales said, smiling a little. “The Indian will care for your horse. Enter, and I will have your couch prepared, and sit up myself to watch over you. You may trust me, caballero. I am that pirate of whom the good padre spoke!”
CHAPTER III
MYSTERIES
It was still dark when Gonzales entered the room with a candle and shook the caballero until he was awake. The rider of the highway found that his clothes had been brushed and neatly folded, that his boots had been greased, and that a huge stone basin filled with cool water stood ready.
He plunged his head in the water, dried his face, and went to the adjoining room after dressing, there to find a table heaped high with food. The caballero ate ravenously, scarcely speaking. An Indian entered and spoke to Gonzales in whispers.
“Your horse is ready, señor,” Gonzales said. “It is a fit animal, able to cover many miles during a day. I have no wish to bereft myself of your companionship by sending you on your way, yet perhaps it would suit your purpose best to be well on the road to San Juan Capistrano by daybreak.”
“Your idea is an excellent one, señor.”