Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/269

 red-eyed and weary from their long vigil of the night.

"By God!" the young man muttered; "I hope that will help little Felipe."

"The general has heard this; he is afraid," said one, expressing the hope that rose in the hearts of many.

The broad gate in the adobe wall surrounding the compound where the horses were kept, opened as this person spoke. Four horses appeared, drawing out acannon. One of the lead team was saddled, ridden by a soldier; another soldier rode on the limber of the small piece which they came wheeling into the plaza.

"That is for the Americans," said the soldierly old man. "Let them have a taste of that and we'll see how far they come. Good for General Garvanza—he is not asleep!"

"Over there is the place," said a woman, speaking almost in a whisper to another as they stood with heads drawn together, "there against the wall. They say the priest is still with her"

"I saw him go in long ago," an old woman volunteered. "They say it is his long prayers that delay"

"What a pity, and so young!"

The long roll of a drum sounded in the barracks. There was a noise of assembling men, of trampling feet. The soldiers in the plaza, eight of them there were, ten with the two who manned the cannon, stiffened to their duty, pushing the people