when the Juno, under full sail in the night, was
scudding for the Russian north. It is not to be
denied that this romantic alternative appealed to
Rezanov, and had it not been for the starving
wretches so eagerly awaiting his coming he might
have been tempted to throw commercial relations to
the winds and flee with his bride while San Fran-
cisco, secure in the knowledge of the Juno's empty
hold, was in its first heavy sleep. It is doubtful if
he would have advanced beyond impulse, for Rez-
anov was not the man to lose sight of a purpose to
which he had set the full strength of his talents,
and life had tempered his impetuous nature with
much philosophy. Moreover, while his conscience
might ignore the double dealing necessary to the ac-
complishment of patriotic or political acts, it re-
volted at the idea of outwitting, possibly wrecking,
his trusting and hospitable host. But the mere
fact that his imagination could dwell upon such an
issue as reckless flight, inflamed his impatience, and
his desire to see Concha daily during these last few
weeks of propinquity. Finally, he sought the co-
operation of Father Abella--Santiago was in Mon-
terey--and that wise student of maids and men
gave him cheer.

On Thursday afternoon there was to take place
the long delayed Indian dance and bull-bear fight;
not in the Presidio, but at the Mission, the pride of
the friars inciting them to succeed where the mili-