She indicated Kit with a wan smile, and her moment of hesitation over, his title reminded him that no name but El Pajarito had been given him by his Indian friends. That, and the office of manager of Mesa Blanca, was all that served as his introduction to her, and to Rotil. With the old newspaper in his pocket indicating that Kit Rhodes was the only name connected with the murder at Granados, he concluded it was just as well.
The guard drew to either side, and the officer and Kit, with Doña Jocasta between them, rode between the two lines, followed by Tula and Valencia. Then the guard fell in back of them, leaving Clodomiro with the pack animals and the Indian boys to follow after in the dust.
Doña Jocasta was pale, and her eyes sought Kit's in troubled question, but she held her head very erect, and the shrouding lace veil hid all but her eyes from the strangers.
"Señor Pajarito," she murmured doubtfully. "The sun is still shining, and there are no chains on my wrists,--otherwise this guard gives much likeness to my first arrival at the hacienda of Soledad!"
"I have a strong belief that no harm is meant to you by the general commanding," he answered, "else I would have sought another trail, and these men look friendly."
They were near enough the hacienda to see men emerge from the portal, and one who limped and leaned on a cane, moved ahead of the others and stood waiting.
"It is an honor that I may bid you welcome to your own estate, Doña Jocasta," he said grimly. "We have only fare of soldiers to offer you at first, but a few days and good couriers can remedy that."
"I beg that you accept my thanks, _Commandante_," she murmured lowly. "The trail was not of my choosing, and it is an ill time for women to come journeying."
"The time is a good time," he said bluntly, "for there is a limit to my hours here. And in one of them I may do service for you."
His men stood at either side watching. There were wild tales told of Ramon Rotil and women who crossed or followed his trail, but here was the most beautiful of all women riding to his door and he gave her no smile,--merely motioned to the Americano that he assist her from the saddle.
"The supper is ready, and your woman and the priest will see that care is given for your comfort," he continued. "Afterwards, in the _sala_----"