DAWN AND THE DONS 128
that on grave occasions issued from its cavernous throat boomed a reverberant tribute of welcome. Garrison life centered about the cuartel that formed the residence barracks for the soldiers and their families.
It was a long, two-storied adobe building, with double porches its entire length. An outside stairway led to the upper story, and from its red-tiled roof issued two squat chimneys that evidenced the huge fireplaces within. Military drill every afternoon following siesta was the great event of the day, with accompanying social features. It was ever a welcome delight to the small boy, and equally enjoyed by his grownup sister. In the open plaza, opposite the verandas, where the entire population gathered, the proud and courageous warriors, attired in colorful uniforms, marched and countermarched to the strains of martial music. Following this
