noon
Behind the carts paced the sentinels , carbine in hand . Among the various groups of men scattered about were Benito , the servant of Don Estevan , and Baraja . They were engaged in conversation . `` Senor Benito , '' said Baraja , speaking to the old herdsman , `` you who are so well acquainted with all the affairs of these deserts , can you explain to me what is the cause of these shots , which we have been hearing ever since noon , and which can only be fired by our enemies , the Indians ? '' `` It is difficult to say , '' answered Benito ; `` but certainly they must have some good reason for wasting so much powder -- a scarce article among them . It appears probable enough that poor Cuchillo is captured ; or may be the Senor Gayferos , who was sent after him . '' `` But why should they keep firing from time to time ?