"I fell from a horse and sprained my ankle. I tried to walk and must have fainted."
"Have you friends in Moreno?"
"I did have, but they have gone and I want to get to Vera Cruz."
"Vera Cruz is a long way, señor. I never expect to go that far from home—me and my little Peppa."
Adrian smiled.
"I expect it does look like a long ways to you, señora; but it is not far. Do you think I can stay here with you until my ankle is well enough to walk? I have a little money. I will pay you something."
"Oh, Mother!" exclaimed the girl, who now spoke for the first time. "You will let him stay, won't you?"
"The wife of Leocadio would not turn a lame dog out, much less a lame boy."
"Mil gracias, señora!" exclaimed Adrian, with much gratitude. "Yes, more than a thousand thanks. You will never regret it."
"The wife of Leocadio is not learned," was the reply, "but she knows an honest youth when she sees one. Come, Peppita, let the young man go to sleep. We will make our bed out here."