"You know what the drums speak of, you know what we should do?"

"I am ready to go with you," answered Arturo. "If we go now, I do not think there will be anyone in our bunk house."

The two got to their feet, Esteban slinging his beloved saddle over his back. With his free arm he encircled Arturo's waist and keeping as much in the shadows as possible, the two headed toward the bunk house in which the male, unmarried Indians were locked up each night. The women and girls had a similar bunk house. But the music was too loud, there was too much activity, they did not know they were being watched.

The door to the still bunk house squeaked a little as it was opened. The outside fires shone in through the barred windows lighting the interior. The two Indians entered and went to their bunks. Esteban slid his saddle under his bunk of interwoven rope for springs and covered by a hay-filled mattress. When he looked up he saw Arturo stretched out on his back on his bunk waiting for him.

"Esteban, come to me," Arturo whispered.

And the Indian went to him.

"What was that?" Arturo exclaimed.

"Nothing," said Esteban as he undid the belt of his three-quarter length trousers. "It is just the noise of the ones outside."

Arturo slid his blouse up over his head.

"So!"

Arturo quickly pulled the blouse from his head and pointed. "Esteban, it is " "So!" The words rang out again in the bunk house.

Esteban whirled about, grabbing his pants before they had a chance to slide down over his hips. "Go-good evening, Father Gomez." He squinted his eyes to make sure it was the right Padre he was addressing. Beneath the brown habit he could hear a sandled foot impatiently tapping.

"Needless to say I am outraged by this evilness you were about to perpetrate, you sinful little monster." He stepped forward and planted a ringing slap across Esteban's face and the Indian fell to the floor upon his knees, making no outcry, expecting more bodily punishment.

"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I banish you, Esteban, now and forever, from this Mission of San Luis Rey. Your name will be removed from all records." "Banishment!" Arturo finally found his voice. "And me, Father?"

The Padre looked over at the Indian. "Oh yes, you are the one who carved the new and very lovely statue of Saint Francis . . . You will stay. You will be severely flogged, but you will stay here at the Mission. I will not send two of you out into the world to continue on in your evilness." Then Padre Gomez made the sign of the Cross. "In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost. Amen." He turned and strode toward the door. When he reached it, he paused and turned about for an instant. "Before the sun rises, I will be here to see that you leave peacefully." He then left the bunk house.

With a cry, Esteban toppled forward on the floor.

"Esteban, do not worry." Arturo succeeded in pulling him to his feet. "Father Peyri may not know of this. I will go to him and beg that he not send you away. He will listen, he is much nicer than Father Gomez."

Esteban grabbed Arturo's arm. "No! I will not have you beg for me on my account. I am too much of a man." He looked deeply into Arturo's face. "Would you... will you leave with me tomorrow?"

"Leave here with you?" Arturo was shocked. "No. This is my world, I know nothing of life outside of this Mission."

"You are right. It is better that I go alone. You would not wish to be held in