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esa Blanca was a great hacienda with a chapel for the peons, and they like to come. It is a custom." "What saint's day is this?" "I am not wise enough, General, to remember all;--our women tell us." "Um!--saint's day unknown, and all a pueblo on a trail to honor it! Call Fidelio." There was a whistle, a quick tread, and one of the men of Palomitas stood in the door. "Take two men and search every woman coming for prayers--guns have been carried under _serapes_." "But, General----" "Search every woman,--even though your own mother be of them!" "General, my own mother is already here, and on her knees beyond there in the altar room. They pray for heart to ask of you their rights in Soledad." "That is some joke, and it is too early in the morning for jokes with me. I'm too empty. What have Palomitas women to do with rights in Soledad?" "I have not been told," said Fidelio evasively. "It is a woman matter. But as to breakfast, it is making, and the _tortillas_ already baking for you." "Order all ready, and a long stirrup for that leg," said the general, moving it about experimentally. "It is not so bad, but Marto can ride fasting to Soledad for giving it to me." "But, my General, he asks----" "Who is he to ask? After yesterday, silence is best for him. Take him along. I will decide later if he is of further use--I may--need--a--man!" There was something deliberately threatening in his slow speech, and the guards exchanged glances. Without doubt there would be executions at Soledad! Rotil got off the cot awkwardly, but disdaining help from the guards hopped to a chair against the wall between the two windows. Isidro came in with a bowl of water, and a much embroidered towel for the use of the distinguished guest, followed by a vaquero with smoking _tortillas_, and Tula with coffee. The general eyed the ornate drawnwork of the linen with its cobweb fingers, and grinned. "I am not a bridegroom this morning, _muchachita_, and need no necktie of such fineness for my beauty. Bring a plainer thing, or none." Tula's eyes lit up with her brief smile of approval. "I am telling them you are a man and want no child things, my General," she stated firmly, "and now it proves itself! On the instant the right thing comes." She darted out the door, bumping into Rhodes, and without even the customary "with your permission" ran past him along the corridor, and, suddenly cautious, yet bold, sh
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