Peon children stared curiously at the uniformed men, and whispered among themselves of the great caballero whose scabbard clinked against his silver-mounted stirrup with each forward movement of the horse.
"Whither bound, Señor Capitan Morando?" called a group of churchgoers.
"To the house of Colonel Barcelo."
"The Colonel and his señora are already in the church," some one said.
The Captain bowed and smiled, but continued his way.
He led his men to the square, then walked to the Barcelo mansion.
Benito, the porter, guarded the entrance.
"Have my unworthy eyes the honor of beholding Captain Morando, of San José?"
"I am Captain Morando, and I wish to see Señora Valentino."
"I am honored to lead you within." The man bowed low. "The señora is in the reception hall."