Lauran Paine's: "The Grand Ones of San Ildefonso"

"Nestled on the border in New Mexico since before there was a New Mexico, San Ildefonso had survived a lot.

"Marauding Indians, lawless bandoleros, soldiers in blue, raiders in rags and killers in war paint had come and gone.

And in this story:

"But now, renegades from south of the border are attempting to seize the village itself, in search of rumoured conquistador treasure.

"Lázaro Guardia, agent for the Forthright Stage & Freight Company and mayor of the village, leads the defense.

"With few young men to conscript, the village women and even the priest take up arms.

"The answer may be an old cannon, housed for years in the mission ... but is there someone among the villagers who knows how to aim and fire it?"

A fantastic summer read!