The two passed out of the house, and across the courtyard to the hospital department of the Mendoza hacienda.
Five of Captain Morando's men lay on cots in a large, well-lighted ward. Señora Valentino went from one to another making inquiries and speaking words of encouragement. One of the men had been in Morando's company in the North Africa campaigns, and had taken service again under him in California.
"I regret, señora and señorita, that I am disabled, and cannot be with my Captain in this present fighting," he said.
"No doubt, good man," replied Señora Valentino.
"My Captain was the handsomest and the best man in General Guerrero's division," the soldier went on.
"You are loyal," commented the señora.
"With good reason. I have followed him into the thick of battle. I have followed him through the enemy's camp; and," laughing, "I have followed him when he galloped across country to tinkle his guitar beneath the window of the beautiful one—"
"In Spain, or North Africa?" interrupted the señora jokingly.
"I tell no tales out of school," rejoined the man, continuing the banter.
"You interest me, as all soldiers do," from the señora. "Are you not one of the picked fighting men whom your Captain keeps near him for emergencies?"