As the horses and vehicle swept off of the bar they swung toward the shore, and, after a moment of intense suspense to the nun and Nina, they beheld the team gain a footing; then the carriage began to rise from the stream, and a moment after the stranger plunged in, seized the bits of the animals, and led them a hundred feet up the current to the ford, where a landing could be made.
A moment more and the panting horses had dragged the vehicle out of danger, while the stranger cried:
“Saved, and only a foot wet!”
“Yes, sir, you have saved this child’s life and mine, and Heaven will reward you for it. But, alas! poor Pedro has gone to his doom. May the blessed Mother have mercy upon his soul!”
“Amen!” came the low, but fervent response of the young girl, and holding out her hand to the stranger, she said in a frank manner natural to her:
“You have saved Sister Felicite and poor little me from death, for without your aid we were doomed. Oh, señor, never will I forget you and the scene of this day!”
The stranger bowed courteously, and replied:
“It was my fortune to be near to aid you. Now let me drive you to the Mission San José, where I suppose you are to pass the night, for it is but a mile away.”
“You are most kind, sir; but do not let me lead you from your way, for I can drive.”
“No, the road is bad and dangerous, and I will see you to safety before I leave you.”