"Why?"
"Because your death might be laid at my door."
"Evidently she hasn't discovered I am an American," thought Adrian. "Well, I'll not tell her until I have to."
The woman turned around and called to some one in the other room and another figure appeared in the door—that of a girl some fifteen years of age.
"Look, Peppita," and the elder woman pointed at Adrian.
The girl gave a little scream.
"Madre mia!" she exclaimed. "Who is it?"
"I know not, my child. I found him unconscious at our back door and dragged him inside."
"I beg your pardon," said Adrian. "I didn't know I was near any house."
"It is a very poor one, señor. I and my daughter are all alone since my poor Leocadio was killed."