children having the bright eyes and well developed noses of
the great Solomon. Then came supper, a long and bountiful feast, at which
great quantities of mutton, chile, and beans were served.

Having thus been duly impressed with the greatness and substance of his
host, and also with his friendly attitude, Ramon was led into the little
office, offered a seat and a fresh cigar. He knew that at last the proper
time had come for him to declare himself.

"My friend," he said, leaning toward Alfego confidentially, "I have come
to this country and to you for a great purpose. You know that a rich
gringo has been buying the lands of the poor people--my people and
yours--all through this country. You know that he intends to own all of
this country--to take it away from us Mexicans. If he succeeds, he will
take away all of your business, all of my lands. You and I must fight him
together. Am I right?"

Solomon nodded his head slowly, watching Ramon with wide bright eyes.

"_Verdad!_" he pronounced unctuously.

"I have come," Ramon went on more boldly, "because my own lands are in
danger, but also because I love the Mexican people, and hate the gringos!
Some one must go among these good people and warn them not to sell their
lands, not to be cheated out of their birthrights. My friend, I have come
here to do that."

"_Bueno!_" exclaimed Alfego. "_Muy bueno!_"

"My friend, I must have your help."

Ramon said this as impressively as possible, and paused expectantly, but
as Alfego said nothing, he went on, gathering his wits for the supreme
effort.

"I know that you are a leader in the great fraternity of the penitent
brothers, who are the best and most pious of men. My friend, I wish to
become one of them. I wish to mingle my blood with theirs and with the
blood of Christ, that all of us may be united in our great purpose to keep
this country for the Spanish people, who conquered it from the
barbarians."

Alfego looked very grave, puffed his cigar violently three times and spat
before he answered.

"My young friend," (he spoke slowly and solemnly) "to pour out your blood
in penance and to consecrate your body to Christ is a great thing to do.
Have you meditated deeply upon this step? Are you sure the Lord Jesus has
called you to his service? And what assurance have I that you are sincere
in all you say, that if I make you my brother in the blood of Christ, you
will truly be as a brother to me?"

Ramon bowed his head.