"This is my son and heir," he said. "Come and kiss his hand."
They all came forward and kissed Billie's hand, which he held out in order to facilitate the job.
"Now," said Santiago, "we——"
"Now," interrupted Billie, "if it is all the same to you, Prince, we'll have supper. I haven't had a mouthful to eat since daylight. I'm 'most starved to death."
"It is well," agreed Santiago. "It is well that my heir should not die of hunger. Let the table be placed."
The order seemed to meet with general approval, and in the course of half an hour there was spread what would have proved a feast at any time, but which was beyond description to a hungry boy; and the way he waded into the food was a caution.
During all this time Santiago had uttered never a word, nor would he eat but the smallest portion of food—a taste of every dish which he set before his guest.
"My son tells the truth," Santiago finally remarked as Billie pushed back his chair with the single word "Bastante," meaning enough.
"I always try to," was the smiling rejoinder, for Billie was now in the very best humor. Eating was his strong point and he had gone the limit.
"Clear away the feast and then reassemble," was Santiago's next order.