“Bring some water! Quick!” called Ned.
“Let me see to him! I have a little liquor here!” exclaimed the professor, kneeling down beside the prostrate form.
[CHAPTER IV]
NEWS FROM THE MINE
By the use of the strong stimulant the Mexican was revived. His eyes opened, and he sat up, muttering something in Spanish which the boys could not catch.
The professor, however, made reply, and, at the words the stranger seemed to brighten up. He drank some water, and then, at the suggestion of Mr. Snodgrass the boys brought him some food, which the native ate as if he had fasted for a week.
His hunger satisfied, he began to talk rapidly to the professor, who listened attentively.
“What’s the trouble?” asked Jerry at length.
“It seems that the poor man lives in this hut,” explained the scientist. “Night before last some robbers came in, took nearly everything he had and beat him. Then, driving him into the forest they left him. Only just now did he dare to venture back, fearing to find his enemies in possession of his home. He is weak from lack of food and from the treatment he received.”