Commandante Miguel is delighted. Francisco Ribaut is of French
blood, graceful and kindly. The Fathers of the mission hasten to
provide the needs of Lagunitas chapel.

The barges are loaded with supplies, councils and business despatched.
Padre Francisco and Don Miguel reach the glens of Mariposa in the
lovely days when bird, bud, and blossom make Lagunitas a fairyland. In
the mind of the veteran but one care lingers--future war. Already
the feuds of Alvarado and Micheltorrena presage a series of domestic
broils. Don Miguel hears that foreigners are plotting to return
to the coast; they will come back under the protection of foreign
war-ships. As his horse bounds over the turf, the soldier resolves
to keep out of this coming conflict; he will guard his hard-won
heritage. By their camp fire, Padre Francisco has told him of the
Americans wrenching Texas away from Mexico. The news of the world
is imparted to him. He asks the padre if the Gringos can ever reach
the Pacific.

"As sure as those stars slope to the west," says the priest,
pointing to Orion, gleaming jewel-like in the clear skies of the
Californian evening.

The don muses. This prophecy rankles in his heart. He fears to ask
further. He fears these Yankees.

Joy reigns at Lagunitas! A heartfelt welcome awaits the priest, a
rapturous greeting for Don Miguel. The grassy Alamedas are starred
with golden poppies. Roses adorn the garden walks of the young wife.
Her pensive eyes have watched the valley anxiously for her lord.