Mendoza almost dropped his cigarette.
"What?"
"I don't wonder that you stare, but it is true. I have sworn off."
"Pardon me for smiling!" exclaimed the young Mexican, lifting his slender hand to his mouth. "I fear it is not good breeding, but I can't help it."
Young Hatch flushed.
"That's all right, Carlos!" he exclaimed. "I have a right to knock off any of my bad habits if I wish to, I suppose."
"Oh, why do you call them bad habits? I see no sense in that, Arthur. Every one smokes and drinks, you know. Down in my country——"
"Not every one," interrupted Arthur. "Merriwell does not."
Mendoza shrugged his shoulders like a Frenchman.
"Then he doesn't know what he's missing. Oh, stop if you wish, Arthur; you'll be at it again within a week."