"Well, since he has gone for them, there is nothing to say, though the general may be ill pleased at visitors," hazarded Kit. "Also you and I know why we should keep all the good will coming our way, and risk none of it on experiments. Go you back to your rest since there is not anything to be done. Clodomiro is at Palomitas by now, and you may as well sleep while the dawn is coming."
She took the strip of roasted meat he offered her, and went back to her blanket on the tiles at the door of the now empty room.
Isidro was right when he said Ramon Rotil slept but little, for the very edge of the dawn was scarce showing in the east when he opened his eyes, moved his wounded leg stiffly, and then lay there peering between half-shut eyelids at the first tint of yellow in the sky.
"Chappo," he said curtly, "look beyond through that window. Is it a band of horses coming down the mesa trail, or is it men?"
"Neither, my General, it is the women who are left of the rancherias of Palomitas. They come to do a prayer service at an old altar here. Once Mesa Blanca was a great hacienda with a chapel for the peons, and they like to come. It is a custom."
"I am not wise enough, General, to remember all;--our women tell us."
"Um!--saint's day unknown, and all a pueblo on a trail to honor it! Call Fidelio."
There was a whistle, a quick tread, and one of the men of Palomitas stood in the door.
"Take two men and search every woman coming for prayers--guns have been carried under _serapes_."
"Search every woman,--even though your own mother be of them!"
"General, my own mother is already here, and on her knees beyond there in the altar room. They pray for heart to ask of you their rights in Soledad."
"That is some joke, and it is too early in the morning for jokes with me. I'm too empty. What have Palomitas women to do with rights in Soledad?"
"I have not been told," said Fidelio evasively. "It is a woman matter. But as to breakfast, it is making, and the _tortillas_ already baking for you."
"Order all ready, and a long stirrup for that leg," said the general, moving it about experimentally. "It is not so bad, but Marto can ride fasting to Soledad for giving it to me."
"Who is he to ask? After yesterday, silence is best for him. Take him along. I will decide later if he is of further use--I may--need--a--man!"