Before the hour was up the soldiers and their mounts were outside the courtyard gate, ready for the order to advance.
Mendoza went to the tower searching the horizon with a field glass. The Captain stood across the courtyard waiting word from his host that O'Donnell had come into sight.
Carmelita came out of a low door deeply let into the side of the left wing of the house. The hospital department of the hacienda was there. The girl was carrying a flat vessel containing lint and bandages.
"Your wounded are as comfortable as possible, Señor Captain," she said, as she passed Morando.
"I thank you and Señor Mendoza for it."
"Ah! Papacito is looking toward us and holding up his hand to catch our attention."
"O'Donnell is in sight a league away," Mendoza's voice came clearly to them.
"Gracias, Señor Mendoza," the soldier called in return.
The señor left the tower and walked along the roof to an outside staircase.
The girl held up the lint and bandages. "The peona nurses and I prepared these for people injured on the rancho. I rejoice that we had them ready for to-day."