did to Father Jaime at San Diego. But they could not do any harm to the
fathers now. We are too strong for them."

"No, Juana," answered Diego, "the fathers are in no personal danger, I
think. And the trouble is not here, so much as farther north, at Santa
B‡rbara, and the missions near there. But the fathers at all the
missions are on the watch, for no one knows just where or when the
trouble will break forth. The neophytes are dissatisfied, and will not
obey their masters. But you must say nothing of this to any one. The
Father wishes to keep it as quiet as possible, so as to alarm no one at
the mission, and to have none of the Indians think they are suspected. I
must go."

And Diego set out for the mission, from whence he did not return until
several hours later. The next day saw him off again on one of his long
absences, bearing letters from the Father to the priests at Capistrano,
San Fernando and the more distant Santa B‡rbara.

During his absence, Juana hardly dared stir from the house, except to
take the beaten road to the mission; and even this required a mustering
up of her courage every time she made the short journey, although she
knew a foe would be very unlikely to venture into so exposed a position.
On the day of Diego's departure, Father Zalvidea had made her relate to
him every detail of her episode in the ca–on. He feared the worst, but
made light of it to her. At the same time he told her she might stay at
the mission if she feared to be alone, until such time as the danger
should be past. But Juana could not make up her mind to leave her home,
her flowers, which she tended so carefully, and her garden, which,
without her daily oversight, would be ruined. Thanking the Father, she
said she would stay on at home, unless something more should occur.