“There is nothing more I can do to serve you?”
“You have been kindness itself.”
“There is, perhaps, some message?”
“Nothing of prime importance at this time, señor. I am eager to reach San Diego de Alcalá at the earliest possible moment.”
“If you need an Indian——”
“The highway stretches plainly before one, señor, and an Indian would but delay me.”
“I understand that these are turbulent times——”
“So the good Fray Felipe said at San Fernando. No doubt it is a true word.”
“You mystify me, señor, in a measure. Yet a man should not speculate regarding that which does not concern him.”
“Very true, Señor Gonzales. I might mention that another traveller may journey along El Camino Real at an early day, as soon as he can procure a horse at Santa Barbara, where I left him behind. I doubt whether he will receive cordial welcome from Fray Felipe—as you say, the good padre is an excellent judge of men. It would not desolate me much if this person were delayed now and then.”