"Pedro used to say they talked and he knew what they said. I begin to
believe he did, for, listen! This sound isn't like that other first
one, which told us they were hungry. This says: 'I'm glad you've
come!' Doesn't it?"

"So it sounds to me, lassie; and I, too, am glad we came. It's queer,
though, how set you were on it, even against the mistress' wish that
you should wait."

"Yes, John, I had to come. I just had to. And this is what I
think: When we've taken care of the sheep, we'll lay Pedro on his
bed and lock the door. Keno will keep guard, if we tell him; though
whoever comes here, anyway? Then you must ride to Marion to see
about--about"--here, for a moment, grief interrupted her again, but
she suppressed her tears as soon as possible and went on quite
calmly--"about what always has to be at such a time. I remember--I
remember it all when my father----No, no, John, I'm not going to cry
again. I won't make bad worse, never, if I can help it. But this I
say: You ride to Marion and send word to the mission so that a
priest may come; and do all the rest. I will ride home and the
boys will come up and fetch him to Sobrante. It must be in the little
old chapel that we never use, because my father said he would not
put to a common service a room that had once been given to God. Pedro
always loved it. It was there he used to say his 'devotions' and
there he must lie--in state--isn't that what they call it when great
folks die? Pedro was great. He had lived so very long and he had
always been so devout. What do you say?"

"What do I say, little captain, but that you've a long head on your
young shoulders, and I'm sorry this load of grief had to rest on it so
early. More than that; I undertook to be your guardeen to-day, and
I've no notion of shirking the job--even now. I passed my word to the
'admiral' that I'd fetch you home safe, and so I will. It won't take
much longer and it's right. Home first, and Marion afterward."

"Well, maybe, that is best; and surely it is pleasantest. I didn't
want to be selfish, but I'd rather you stayed with me. Are you ready?
Shall we leave him just as he is?"

"Just so. We'll close the window and the door, and then--home."

But it was with widely different feelings that they cantered down the
canyon from those with which they had ridden up it, and when she saw
them returning so soon and so swiftly, Mrs. Trent went out to meet
them, saying nothing, indeed, yet asking the questio