midday
Over all was an atmosphere of decay , and , what was far more significant , the people seemed content . All morning the monotonous journey continued -- a trial to Alaire and Dolores , but to José Sanchez a red-letter experience . He covered the train from end to end , making himself acquainted with every one and bringing to Alaire the gossip that he picked up . It was not until midday that the first interruption occurred ; then the train pulled in upon a siding , and after an interminable delay it transpired that a north-bound troop-train was expected . José brought this intelligence : `` Soon you will behold the flower of the Mexican army , '' he told Alaire . `` You will see thousands of Longorio 's veterans , every man of them a very devil for blood . They are returning to Nuevo Pueblo after destroying a band of those rebels .