nothing and bid the others be silent and make no comment. Come with me
to the grandstand, all of you, and look at the races. Panchito will
not appear until the fifth race."

Father Dominic bent upon Brother Anthony a glance which had the effect
of propelling the brother out of earshot, whereupon the old friar took
his young friend by the arm and lifted his seamed, sweet old face
toward him with all the _insouciance_ of a child.

"Miguel," he whispered, "I'm in the throes of temptation. I told you
of the thousand dollars which the Senora Parker, in a moment of that
great-heartedness which distinguishes her (what a triumph, could I but
baptize her in our faith!) forced Senor Parker to present to me. I
contemplate using it toward the needed repairs to the roof of our
Mission. These repairs will cost at least three thousand dollars, and
the devil has whispered to me--"

"Say no more about it, but bet the money," said Miguel. "Be a sport,
Father Dominic, for the opportunity will never occur again. Before the
sun shall set this day, your one thousand will have grown to ten. Even
if Panchito should lose, I will guarantee you the return of your money."

Father Dominic trembled. "Ah, my son, I feel like a little old devil,"
he quavered, but--he protested no more. When Don Mike settled him in a
seat in the grand-stand, Father Dominic whispered wistfully, "God will
not hold this worldliness against me, Miguel. I feel I am here on His
business, for is not Panchito running for a new roof for our beloved
Mission? I will pray for victory."

"Now you are demonstrating your sound common sense," Don Mike assured
him. His right hand closed over the roll of bills Father Dominic
surreptitiously slipped him. Scarcely had he transferred the
Restoration Fund to his trousers' pocket when Brother Anthony nudged
him and slipped a tiny roll into Don Miguel's left hand, accompanying
the secret transfer with a wink that was almost a sermon.

"What news, Don Miguel?" Pablo ventured presently.

"We will win, Pablo."

"_Valgame dios_! I will wager my fortune on Panchito. Here it is, Don
Miguel--one hundred and eighty dollars. I know not the ways of these
Gringo races, but if the stakeholder be an honest man and known
personally to you, I will be your debtor forever if you will graciously
consent to attend to this detail for me."

"With pleasure, Pablo."

Carolina drew her soiled little tobacco bag from her bosom, bit the
s