Charles Franklin Carter is author of "The Missions of Nueva California" and "Some By-ways of California". Six of the stories in this collection have at least a small basis in historical fact. The story of Juana is wholly fictional, although if has an historical background. Carter gives his reader a picture of life among the Indians and Spaniards in Nueva California during the early days of the past century. Stories include The Indian Sibyl's Prophecy, The Flight of Padre Peyri, Father Zalvidea's Money, La Beata, Juana, Father Uria's Saints, and Pomponio.