The priest was standing by the little altar in the corner of his cell
when Roldan entered.

"What is it, my son?" he asked. "Have you learned anything new? Padre
Estenega has told me of your suspicions."

Roldan rapidly related what he had seen. The priest's face became grave
and anxious.

"There is trouble brewing, I fear," he said. Then he smiled suddenly.
"You ran away to avoid fighting. It would be odd if you found yourself
in the midst of it."

"I did not run away to avoid fighting," said Roldan, flushing hotly.
"Pardon, father; I meant that you have misunderstood. I do not choose to
be shut up in a barrack against my will, but I am ready to fight; and,
although I am not yet sixteen, you shall see that I can help you protect
your Mission. And Adan too."

"I am sure of it. I did but tease you. And your part shall begin to-
night. You are rested, no?"

"I feel as if I wanted no more sleep for a week."

"Very well. Tell brother Antonio--whom you met on the corridor just now
--to let you in the church by the side door and give you the key, with
which you will lock yourself in. Then go up into the belfry and watch.
It is the full of the moon and clear. If you merely see a dozen or more
figures gliding about the rancheria, that will mean that they are
plotting, and intend no action to-night. If you see several hundred, run