e enemy in the rear sprawled, the rope flew loose, the beast with a
loud bray fled toward the willows of Dolores. But the young priest was
both agile and angry. With a flying leap he reached the heaving back.
The mule acknowledged himself conquered. The body-guard trotted on
their own feet, and the party disappeared round a bend of the hills.

Rezanov laughed heartily and even the glum visage of Father Abella
relaxed.

"It is a common sight, Excellency," he said. "We are thankful to have
a younger friar for such fatiguing work. Many a time have I belabored
stubborn mules and bestrode bucking mustangs while searching for one of
these ungrateful but no doubt chosen creatures. It is the will of God,
and we make no complaint; but we are very willing, Father Landaeta and
I, that youth should cool its ardor in so certain a fashion while we
attend to the more reasonable duties at home."

They were dismounted at the door of the church. The horses were led off
by waiting Indians. The soldiers on guard saluted and stepped aside,
and the party entered. Two priests in handsome vestments stood before
the altar, but the long dim nave was empty. The Russians had been told
that a mass would be said in their honor, and they marched down the
church and bent their knees with as much ceremony as had they been of
the faith of their hosts. When the short mass was over, Rezanov
bethought himself of Concha's request, and whispering its purport to
Father Abella was led to a double iron hoop stuck with tallow dips in
various stages of petition. Rezanov lit a candle and fastened it in an
empty socket. Then with a whimsical twist of his mouth he lit and
adjusted another.

"No doubt she has some fervent wish, like all children," he thought
apologetically. "And whether this will help her to realize it or not,
at least it will be interesting to watch her eyes--and mouth--when I
tell her. Will she melt, or flash, or receive my offering at her
shrine as a matter of course? I'll surprise her to-night in the middle
of a dance."

He deposited a gold piece among the candles on the table and followed
Father Abella through a side door. A corridor ran behind the long line
of rooms designed not only for priests but for travellers always sure
of a welcome at these hospitable Missions. Father Abella shuffled
ahead, halted on the threshold of a large room, and ceremoniously
invited his guests to enter. Two other priests stood before a table