“That is so, Jocasta,” he said at last, “you are a woman, and in the shadow. The little golden singing one is gone out of your life, and the new music must be different! I will think about that for you. Go now to your sleep, for there is work of men to be done, and the night scarce long enough for it.”
He opened the door for her and stood with bent head as she passed. His men lounging in the patio could see that manner of deference, and exchanged looks and comments. To the victor belong the spoils in Mexico, and here was a sweeping victory,––yet the general looked the other way!
“Child, accompany the señora,” he said kindly to Tula at the door. “Chappo, bring Marto to see me. The new American capitan said he was a man of value, and the lad was right. Work of importance waits for him tonight.”
CHAPTER XVIII
RAMON ROTIL DECIDES
Whatever the labors of Marto Cavayso for the night they appeared to have been happy ones, for ere the dawn he came to Kit’s door in great good humor.
“Amigo,” he said jovially, “you played me a trick and took the woman, but what the devil is that to hold a grudge for? My general has made it all right, and we need help. You are to come.”
“Glad to,” agreed Kit, “but what of this guard duty?”