"No, señora," stated her captor, "the evil shot came from no comrade of mine. They did not follow us, those bandits--accursed be their names! They were hid in the cañoncita and jumped our trail. But have no fear, Doña Jocasta, they are left behind, and it will be my pleasure to nurse the wounds they have made."
"Be occupied with your own," she suggested pointing to his hand from which blood still dripped, "and you, mother, can show me the new prison. It can be no worse than the others."
"Better, much better, little dove," said Marto, who followed after the two women, and glanced over their shoulders into the guest chamber of the iron bars, "it is a bird cage of the finest, and a nest for harmonies."
Then to Valencia he turned with authority, "When you have made the señorita comfortable, bring the key of the door to me."
"_Si_, señor," said Valencia bending low, and even as the prisoner entered the room, she changed the key to the outside of the door. Marto nodded his approval and turned away.
"Now this shirt off, and a basin of water and a bandage," he ordered Isidro. "It is not much, and it still bleeds."
"True, it does, señor, and the room ordered for you has already the water and a clean shirt on the pillow. Clodomiro, go you for a bandage, and fetch wine to take dust out of the throat! This way, señor,--and may you be at home in your own house!"
Unsuspecting, the amorous Marto followed the old man into the room prepared. He grunted contemptuous satisfaction at evidences of comfort extending to lace curtains hanging white and full over the one window.
"It is the time for a shirt of such cleanness," he observed, with a grin. "_Jesusita!_ but the sleeve sticks to me! Cut it off, and be quick to make me over into a bridegroom."
The old man did as he was bidden, and when Clodomiro brought in a woven tray covered with a napkin from which a bottle of wine was discernible, Marto grinned at him.
"It is a soft nest you found for me, boy," he said appreciatively, "and when I am capitan I will make you lieutenant."
"Thanks to you, señor, and hasten the day!"
Clodomiro assisted his grandfather, and stood aside at the door respectfully as the old man passed out with his primitive supply of salves and antiseptics, and only when all need of caution was ended the boy smiled at the would-be Lothario, and the smile held a subtle mockery as he murmured, "The saints send you a good night's sleep, señor, and a waking to health--and clearer sight!"