"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?" "Quite so. Still, to err is human." "But to forgive, divine, Señor Captain." "Señorita Doña," hesitatingly, "perhaps there are things humans can hardly be expected to forgive." Again her face flushed, and she bit her lip. "Yes--and even if done under misapprehension." Her eyes looked straight at him. "Of course the offense remains despite the misapprehension--of course it remains," from Morando. His eyes sought the ground. Neither spoke for a moment. Peons were running hither and thither. Señor Mendoza had descended from the roof and was sauntering toward them. Filipo's field glass pointed along the road leading up to the gate. "Señorita Carmelita, we can at least be friends. Is it not so?" Mendoza was at their side. "Captain, when did you first find out about this raid?" "Yesterday morning. I had ridden to Monterey, to call on Señora Valentino where the messenger came. I had some men with me. The others came up at the Berryessa rancho." "Yes, Filipo, I'm coming," in response to a signal from the porter. Mendoza walked briskly toward the gate. "Friends!" Carmelita arose, her eyes flashing. Morando also arose. "I do not consider my friendship of light value, Señorita Doña Mendoza." "I do not share your high opinion of that friendship, Captain Morando." The loud challenge of O'Donnell's horse was heard. "Morando! Morando!" Señor Mendoza called. "Coming immediately, señor. Good afternoon, señorita doña." The Captain hastened to the courtyard gate. The señorita went up to her room, a storm raging in her heart. "If Captain Morando dares mention the name of Señora Valentino in my presence again, I'll forbid him ever to speak to me." She clenched her hands. The sound of many moving horses under her window called her thoughts.