The next moment an Indian boy appeared upon the azotea, and taking off his hat approached the padré with an air of reverence.
“You will guide the capitan through the path in the chapparal to the hunters’ hut.”
“Si, Señor.”
“Don’t tell any one you have done so.”
“No, Señor.”
“If you do you shall catch the ‘cuarto.’ Vaya!”
Roblado, followed by the boy, descended the escalera; and, after being helped on his horse, rode away from the gate.
The padré, at the invitation of Vizcarra, emptied another cup of Bordeos; and then, telling his host that a luncheon of the new luxury awaited him at the mission, he bade him good day, and shuffled off homeward.
Vizcarra remained alone upon the azotea. Had any one been there to watch him, they would have noticed that his countenance assumed a strange and troubled expression every time his eyes chanced to wander in the direction of La Niña.