But Marto, who fairly radiated happiness since his reinstatement, approached with the word that General Rotil would have him at breakfast, for which time was short.
"It is my regret that you do not ride with me, señor," said Rotil as he motioned him to a seat. "But there is work to be done at Soledad for which I shall give you the word. I am hearing that you would help recover some of the poor ones driven south from Palomitas, if they be left alive!"
"I am pledged to that, General," stated Kit simply.
"By God!" remarked Rotil in a surprised tone. "By God, Don Pajarito, that is good! And it may be when that pledge is kept, you may be free to join my children in the fight? I make you a capitan at once, señor."
"Sure,--after," agreed Rotil chuckling. "For I tell you there is work of importance here, and when I am gone the thinking will be up to you! What message did you give the muleteers?"
"To bring the animals to the plaza, and pack for the trail all the provisions found there."
"Provisions is good! They will burn with curiosity. There could be fun in that if we had time to laugh and watch them, but there is no time. Marto!"
Marto, on guard at the door, came forward.
"Has the Señor Don José Perez received my message for conference?"
"Yes, my General. Except that he wished your messenger in hell, he will be happy to join you according to order."
"Good!" grinned Rotil, "it is well to conduct these matters with grace and ceremony where a lady is concerned. Take him to the _sala_; it is illuminated in his honor. Come, señor, I want for witness an Americano who is free from Sonora influence."
"Am I?" queried Kit dubiously. "I'm not so sure! I seem all tangled up with Sonora influences of all shades and varieties."
Rotil's jocularity disappeared as he entered the sala where quill pen and ink and some blank sheets from an old account book gave a business-like look to the table where four candles made a radiance.
Perez was there, plainly nervous by reason of the mocking civility of Marto. His eyes followed Rotil,--questioning, fearful!
The latter passed him without notice and seated himself at the table.
"Call the padre," he said to Marto. But that was scarce needed as the padre was hovering near the door waiting for the word. He seated himself by the table at a motion from Rotil.