knew not what to do. Suddenly a thought came to me."

"Miguel, let us follow him, and, if we can, persuade him to come back. I
know he did not go willingly, but was driven to it by the Governor and
his people; for you know he has often said that here was his home, and
here he intended to stay, until his death.'"

"'But, Antonio, what can we two do? He would not listen to us, and,
besides, he must be too far ahead now to be overtaken. And the ship may
have left before we get to San Diego. You did not hear when it was to
sail?'"

"'No, but we can come up with him, I am sure, before he reaches San
Diego, if we waste no time. Come, I am going to tell my father, and get
my horse, and be off.' And I started on the run for my father's house,
which was not far from the church. I found him just leaving for his
work, and told him, in a few words, what had happened. He was not so
surprised as I thought he would be, for he was an old man, and knew more
of all that was taking place in the country, than was possible for me, a
mere boy."

"'Go, Antonio,' he said. 'I shall follow you;' and he turned away into
the house."

"I waited not to see what he would do, but darted away, and, catching my
horse, was off as hard as I could ride. Before I had gone many rods, I
heard a horse's gallop behind me, and, looking back, saw Miguel at full
speed. I stopped to permit him to come up with me, and then, without a
word, we went on together."