"A night attack?" she asked.
"It may be, señorita," whispered the man. "A person has just been brought in—captured by our pickets."
"Oh!"
"An Americano, señorita. He say Dario Gomez, that bandit unhung, señorita, is about to attack. He has gathered a gre't force and will attack General De Soto Palo. Sí! sí!"
"Dario Gomez?" repeated Janice. "Why, I——Who is this American who has been captured?"
"A deserter. A prisoner. I know not. Quién sabe?"
"But what does he look like?" insisted Janice.
"Oh, señorita! He is a fat man and wears a red vest across his stomach—so," and the man gestured.
"Tom Hotchkiss!" murmured Janice.
"I come back to warn Señor B-Day if there be need," promised the guard and was gone.