"Fortune favored us in being within such easy reach of your ministrations, señorita doña. One or two of the men could not have gone much farther. I shall not forget your kindness."
"Not kindness, Señor Capitan! A privilege and a duty! We are here in our stronghold, while you are bearing the heat and the burden of the day. Our fruitful valleys smile the more happily because of your protection."
"Your words are encouraging, señorita."
"I want to be more than encouraging. I mean to be appreciative. I wish I knew how to say more."
"The señorita is good to the soldier. In the name of my comrades, I thank you."
Her face flushed.
"Captain, will you not be seated? The shade of that fig-tree invites you. The afternoon may make much call on your strength."
She took seat on a rustic chair and motioned him to a bench in front of her fashioned around the tree-trunk.
"I am glad O'Donnell will assist in this work. He is a man who makes sure of his position before pushing ahead," spoke Morando.
"Is the good Señor Americano, then, so infallible?"