fectly content to follow the footsteps of her master,
and showing unbounded joy, when he stopped for a moment to pet and speak
to her.

"Well! gatita mia, you are the only one to stay with your old master.
Where are the others? Off hunting for gophers, I suppose. But here
are the travelers at last," and he hurried down the road toward the
approaching train, the cat bounding along at his side, or running off
every few feet, now this way, now that, to chase a butterfly or mosquito
hawk. Once, in her haste to overtake her master, she encountered a
horned toad. With a spring to one side, and a loud "spst!" she passed
it, for this pet of Father Uria was acquainted with these hated objects,
but could never overcome her intense horror of them. We are much afraid
this puss is a sad coward.

The Father reached the band of travelers, and he received from the
commander the packet of letters destined for the mission. Then, with
a few words of welcome to all, he bade them follow him to the mission,
where they would find refreshment and shelter for the night. On the way,
singling out Benito and Maria (the former from his resemblance to Diego)
Father Uria questioned them as to their journey, and plans for their
future home at his mission. Benito related his story, and hopes of
finding some occupation.

"Diego tells me you are skilled in gardening," said the Father. "Would
you like to take charge of my garden and orchard? My gardener is growing
too old for work, and I have long had thoughts of retiring him. I have
waited only to find some one to take his place, and when Diego told me
of you, I thought you might be the one I want. What say you?"

"I thank you heartily, my Father," replied Benito. "I should, indeed, be
happy and proud to do that, if I can prove worthy."

They reached the mission, and there Benito found Diego waiting to
welcome him. After bidding Benito to come and see him in the morning, as
Diego led them away to his own little home, the Father went in, his cat
following. Leaving her in the house, the Father passed on to the church,
where he performed the usual short evening service of the rosario, after
which he returned to his habitation. No sooner was he in the house, than
he was fairly bombarded by a small army of cats, or so it seemed;
for although there were only four, including the one with whom we are
already acquainted, one might have thought, from the noise and confusion
they made, trying to get at their d