"You will see me back tomorrow by
sundown."
"Not earlier?" asked Alessandro. "I thought by noon."
"Well, by noon be it, then," said Jose. "The horse can do it."
"Have great care!" said Alessandro.
"That will I," replied Jose; and giving his horse's sides a sharp
punch with his knees, set off at full gallop westward.
"I have sent Jose with a message to Temecula," said Alessandro,
walking up to Fernando. "He will be back here tomorrow noon,
and join you at the Ortega's the next morning."
"Back here by noon to-morrow!" exclaimed Fernando. "Not unless
he kills his horse!"
"That was what he said," replied Alessandro, nonchalantly.
"Easy enough, too!" cried Antonio, riding up on his little dun mare.
"I'd go in less time than that, on this mare. Jose's is no match for
her, and never was. Why did you not send me, Alessandro?"
"Is your horse really faster than Jose's?" said Alessandro. "Then I
wish I had sent you. I'll send you next time."
VII
IT was strange to see how quickly and naturally Alessandro fitted
into his place in the household.
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