Before it could be reached, the city had to be taken; and the inhabitants would in the main fight desperately for their homes.
As soon as she was alone with her mother, she pointed out these facts to her.

"Let me write to Lopez Navarro, mi madre.

He is a friend." "Of the Americans! Si." "Of freedom.

He will send us word." "Are you forgetful of what is moral and respectable, Antonia?
That a young lady should write to Lopez Navarro--a man that is unmarried--is such a thing as never before happened! He would think the world had come to an end, or worse." "Dear mother! In a time of trouble like this, who would think wrong of us?
Surely you might write." "As you say, Antonia.

Tell me, then, who will take the letter." "The peon Ortiz will take it.