Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 edition. Excerpt: ... THE KING'S HIGHWAY AR LOTA loved the laughed about it--the careless Chona, who galloped across the mesa like a wild Indian and never would sit down and think quietly of days gone by and things that happened long ago. What did she care about the King's Highway? old road leading past the Mission. Chona The morning after the mountain trip Carlota begged Chona to go for a stroll after wild flowers. "Where?" asked Chona. "On the King's Highway," was the reply. "I '11 go on horseback, I '11 race with you," agreed Chona. "The Padres went on foot," objected Carlota. "They did n't always," suggested Chona; "besides that, who's a Padre?" "We could play be Padres ourselves; this is a lovely morning to play that. You could be Father Cambon, I'd be Father Somera, and we'd "--"Oh, Carlota," interrupted Chona, "that's a stupid game. Besides, unless we 're on horseback you J CARLOTA know wc are not allowed to go out of sight of the Mission buildings. I'd rather play chase desert I ndians. We could go like the wind and lassoo the chief before he could get to the mountains. Come, Carlota, our ponies are saddled. I'm going." "Please, Chona, come with me this once. Please." "No, Carlota, you'd make me learn some poetry or something. I'd rather ride to the old mill. Babita is pawing the earth, she is so anxious to start Good-by." Carlota trudged along on foot and soon the little sister passed her, leaving a cloud of dust in the road and a feeling of loneliness in the air. "Wish I'd gone with her," confessed Carlota At that moment Chona looked behind and felt uneasy because she had left the Padre, Chona felt sure that by that time the white-robed figure on the highway was a Padre. Carlota waved her hand, smiled, and became the Padre, her white dress..."