"They are as good as any watch-dog," said she. "There is no use of thieves coming here."
Agueda rode close.
"I am not a thief," said Agueda. "Can you tell me where is the casa of Gremo, the light-keeper?"
"And where but here in this very spot?" said the piece of parchment, smiling a toothless smile and showing a fine array of gums. "But had you said the casa of Marianna Romando, you would have come nearer the truth."
Agueda had not expected the casa of which Gremo spoke with such pride to look like this, or to belong to some one else.
"Well, then, I have come with a message from your hus—from Gremo."
"The Señorita will get off her horse and come in? What will the Señorita have? Some bread, an egg—a little ching-ching?"
The woman smiled pleasantly all the time that she was speaking. Agueda had difficulty in understanding her, for the entire absence of teeth caused her lips to cling together, so that she articulated with difficulty. Still she smiled. Agueda shook her head at the hospitable words.
"I have no time, gracias, Señora. You will see that I have been wet with the showers," she said; "and I have been delayed twice already. Gremo asked me to tell you that he would come to the Port of Entry too late to return and light the lantern. He asks that you will do it for him."