cigarette, hands it to the colonel.

Dona Jovita. Thrice, and I have succeeded. (Blows out candle.)

Col. Starbottle. A thousand thanks! There is a--er--er--light on
the plain.

Dona Jovita (hastily). It is the vaqueros returning. My father
gives a festa to peons in honor of your arrival. There will be a
dance. You have been patient, Senor Commander: you shall have my
hand for a waltz.

Enter vaqueros, their wives and daughters. A dance, during which
the "sembi canca" is danced by COL. STARBOTTLE and DONA JOVITA.
Business, during which the bell of Mission Church, faintly
illuminated beyond the wall, strikes twelve. Dancers withdraw
hurriedly, leaving alone MANUELA, DONA JOVITA, COL. STARBOTTLE, DON
JOSE, and CONCHO. CONCHO formally hands keys to Don Jose.

Don Jose (delivering keys to MORTON with stately impressiveness).
Take them, Don Alexandro Morton, and with them all that they unlock
for bliss or bale. Take them, noble guest, and with them the
homage of this family,--to-night, Don Alexandro, your humble
servants. Good-night, gentlemen. May a thousand angels attend
you, O Don Alexandro and Don Culpepero!

Dona Jovita. Good-night, Don Alexandro. May your dreams to-night
see all your wishes fulfilled! Good-night, O Senor Commander. May
she you dream of be as happy as you!