The beautiful woman, leaning in her chair, placed her hand on the Captain's arm. "Now to business. Your message found me here two days ago. Of course mine found you." She paused a moment thoughtfully, then continued:
"Colonel Barcelo returns to-night. I have planned for you to visit us this evening. You are my friend, Captain Farquharson, whom I knew in London two years ago. You are in the West for big game. Is it not so?" She laughed.
"Does Colonel Barcelo know of the wishes of my government?"
"He knows nothing. I am seeking to prepare him for such knowledge, however. To-night you may speak much or little, as you think wise."
"Señora, you spent several days at the home of Señor Mendoza after the storm. Did any word of yours sound him as to his political feelings?"
"Señor Mendoza's words on such matters come slowly. I believe his thoughts are correspondingly rapid."
"Why so, señora?"
"During my short stay in his hacienda house many young men came there. You know his daughter Carmelita is a beautiful girl."
The Captain started to speak, but smiled instead.
"These caballeros were duly presented to me. For some reason they spoke, at first casually, but, finally, earnestly, concerning the future political status of this province. I listened."