“So you are Jack’s brother, eh?”
“Yep. I like the girl to you.”
“That’s good. Most people do. She’s much nicer than I am.”
“Yep,” agreed the child, unflatteringly. “Now talk Injun.”
“I don’t know how. Say Jack, I cannot wear these things!” holding up the overalls and making a funny grimace that sent Teddy into a paroxysm of laughter. The effect of his remark was so unexpected that Carlos, also, laughed, and not to be outdone, Jack joined in the mirth.
“Isn’t you d’eadful!” shrieked the baby “Governor,” and then they all laughed again.
This served the purpose of putting everybody on good terms; for, despite their confidences of the night, daylight had found the lads secretly shy of one another. Now they coolly faced and scrutinized each other. What Jack saw, we already know; save that Carlos, clad in the rough clothing of a workman, had lost something of his refinement of appearance, while he had gained in manliness. What Carlos saw was an overgrown lad of fifteen, shock-headed, freckled, with arms and legs two sizes too large for his width of chest. A face that was brimful of fun and good nature, honest, gray eyes, and a mouth wide and upturned at the corners over strong white teeth.
Yet, although he instantly liked him, Carlos had a feeling that one could place little dependence upon Jack. As he afterwards expressed it to Carlota: “A fellow anybody could make to do anything that was pleasant but nothing that wasn’t.”
When they were dressed, Jack opened the door and pointed out the bench beside the wall, where a tin basin and one coarse towel served the needs of the entire family’s toilet.
“I see. Thank you. But isn’t there any stream near?”