Done with riding his circuit, ...

Gorka returned to the encampment and reported to Sir James that all was done as he had requested. The townspeople had agreed to remain indoors and keep their curious children there as well. He grinned as he said this.

"Many of the younger ones wanted to know what was happening, wanted to go and see. They begged so! But I was firm, and told them that if I could wait, so could they. They listened, all but one. That boy said he was going to look anyway, but his father boxed his cheek and told him to be silent, that he would do no such a thing. His father said if he was seen near the goings on that one of the soldiers helping Lord Paul might just slit his throat. The kid looked at me, and I nodded. He gulped, and went to sit by his mother. I believe he will stay at home."

What brought the smile to Gorka's face was that the boy had been older than he. Yet he had taken Gorka's assurance that he could get himself in deep trouble to heart.

Just as he finished his report, Altea came in, her face flushed from riding like a whirlwind across the plain from the city to the camp. She too had been successful, she reported. Then Gorka announced that he was going to go to his tent and sleep. To his surprise, Altea shook her head. She reminded him that her family had a dwelling in the town, and invited him to sleep there after having a good meal. Since the way to any man's heart is through his stomach, Gorka found his love for her being cemented even more firmly. He nodded vigorously. Then his face clouded.

"But where shall I sleep? Is your house so large that it has unused rooms for any visitors?" This would be a curiosity in itself, for in most homes there was a common room where all the children slept and only the parents had a room of their own, if that.

Altea's shy smile replied. Without saying anything else, she took his hand and led him outside. Pointing to his horse, she shooed him toward it and climbed on her own steed. Side by each the pair cantered back to Orreaga and the home of Paxti and Yamile.