Day after day went by without further incident of any kind. Indeed, the
presence of the Indian in the ca–on appeared to be the last of the
series of occurrences to cause alarm; and the anxiety of the Father and
the Mexicans was quieted. Still, as Diego did not return, they knew that
affairs at the other missions were not in an altogether favorable
condition.

But at last, after an absence of nearly three weeks, Diego returned, and
brought tidings boding no good. There was no trouble apparent impending
at San Juan Capistrano, and but little at San Fernando; but at Santa
B‡rbara, and especially at Santa InŽs, to which missions Diego had been
sent by the priests at Santa B‡rbara, much trouble was feared, and at
any moment. The neophytes were watched closely, but there were many
gentiles in the mountains around, who had stirred up the mission Indians
to a state of great excitement. However, there was nothing to do, except
to keep a strict guard.

Juana was overjoyed to see Diego. She had kept on with her daily work at
the mission and at home, and, as nothing further had occurred of an
alarming nature, she had, by degrees, lost much of her terror. Her
anxiety for Diego, too, had helped to draw away her thought from herself
and her situation. That was a happy evening for Juana, and her happiness
was increased when Diego told her he would not be obliged to leave again
for some weeks, unless the outbreak that was feared should materialize
to call him away.

Well for us we know not what the morrow may bring forth! Nothing
disturbed Juana's happiness that night, and she fell asleep with a sigh
of content, and a heart lightened of all fear and anxiety. The next