But the cabin-door opened, and Senor Perkins appeared.  Whatever might have been the excited condition of his unknown visitor, the Senor’s round, clean-shaven face was smiling and undisturbed by emotion.  As his eye fell on the page of manuscript Hurlstone had just cast down, a slight shadow crossed his beneficent expanse of forehead, and deepened in his soft dark eyes; but the next moment it was chased away by his quick recurring smile.  Even thus transient and superficial was his feeling, thought Hurlstone.

“I have some news for you,” said Perkins affably, “which may alter your decision about returning.  My friends ashore,” he continued, “judging from the ingenuous specimen which has just visited me, are more remarkable for their temporary zeal and spasmodic devotion than for prudent reserve or lasting discretion.  They have submitted a list to me of those whom they consider dangerous to Mexican liberty, and whom they are desirous of hanging.  I regret to say that the list is illogical, and the request inopportune.  Our friend Mr. Banks is put down as an ally of the Government and an objectionable business rival of that eminent patriot and well-known drover, Senor Martinez, who just called upon me.  Mr. Crosby’s humor is considered subversive of a proper respect for all patriotism; but I cannot understand why they have added your name as especially ‘dangerous.’”

Hurlstone made a gesture of contempt.

“I suppose they pay me the respect of considering me a friend of the old priest.  So be it!  I hope they will let the responsibility fall on me alone.”

“The Padre is already proscribed as one of the Council,” said Senor Perkins quietly.

“Do you mean to say,” said Hurlstone impetuously, “that you will permit a hair of that innocent old man’s head to be harmed by those wretches?”

“You are generous but hasty, my friend,” said Senor Perkins, in gentle deprecation.  “Allow me to put your question in another way.  Ask me if I intend to perpetuate the Catholic Church in Todos Santos by adding another martyr to its roll, and I will tell you—­No!  I need not say that I am equally opposed to any proceedings against Banks, Crosby, and yourself, for diplomatic reasons, apart from the kindly memories of our old associations on this ship.  I have therefore been obliged to return to the excellent Martinez his little list, with the remark that I should hold him personally responsible if any of you are molested.  There is, however, no danger.  Messrs. Banks and Crosby are with the other Americans, whom we have guaranteed to protect, at the Mission, in the care of your friend the Padre.  You are surprised!  Equally so was the Padre.  Had you delayed your departure an hour you would have met them, and I should have been debarred the pleasure of your company.