I said that he was generous but that he had done me
good turns. Moreover I was not utterly without coin, and
certainly the hour had paid for itself. So he mounted his
mule and wished me good fortune, and I wished him good
fortune.

"Are you going to Santa Fe?"

"Yes. I have a friend in the camp."

"I go there to paint her Highness the Queen for his
Highness the King. Perhaps we shall meet again. I am
Manuel Rodriguez."

"I guessed that," I answered, "an hour ago! Be so
good, great painter, as not to remember me. It will serve me
better."

The light played again over his face. "_The Disguised
Hidalgo_. Excellent pictures come to me like that, in a great
warm light, and excellent names for pictures.--Very good.
In a way, so to speak, I shall completely forget you!"

Two on horseback, a churchman and a knight, with servants
following, came around a bend of the dusty road and
recognizing Manuel Rodriguez, called to him by name.
Away he rode upon his mule, keeping company with them.
The dozen in their train followed, raising as they went by
such a dust cloud that presently all became like figures upon