Professor Scotch came forward.
“Señor,” he said, in rather poor Spanish, “I am this youth’s guardian, and I can tell you that he speaks the truth. I would not permit him to engage in such a degrading and brutal occupation, and that settles it.”
The professor’s face flushed, and he repressed his excitement with great difficulty. He had cast aside his timidity, and was ready to express himself in still more forcible language, but Frank checked him.
Rodriguez arose, politely expressing his regret. He saw it was useless to say anything more.
Señorita Zuera also arose, and Frank accompanied them to the door.
When they were gone Frank found Professor Scotch tearing around the room like a maniac, and almost frothing at the mouth.
“An insult!” roared the little man. “The idea! To think that an American would have anything to do with a brutal bull fight!”
“You should take the offer in the spirit in which it was made, professor,” smiled the boy. “Señor Rodriguez considered that he was doing me an honor.”
It was some time before the professor cooled down.
Frank explained everything to Ephraim, who had been wondering what it was all about.