For just a moment Billie did not recognize either of them, but was brought to himself by hearing Don Rafael say:
“I am very sorry you met with such a serious accident. I suppose you must have been hunting and
lost your foothold. I have sent word to your friends and am sure they will come for you as soon as you are able to be moved.”
He spoke with such an air of truthfulness, that if Billie had not been absolutely certain that he was a bad man, he would have believed him. However, he said nothing, and after a minute Don Rafael continued:
“You must not think I have any animosity against you for what you did in helping Pedro to escape me. That is a matter of Mexican politics of which you young Americans know nothing. The Americans are all my friends. Now you must eat your dinner. I will come and see you again.”
The word dinner sounded pretty good to Billie and so he felt justified in saying “thank you,” and sitting up in his bed took the soup from Santiago’s hand as Don Rafael left the room.
“You are much better,” said Santiago, as Billie ate his soup as only a hungry boy can.
“Yes, I think so; but I don’t feel exactly right yet.”
“You will in a little while. Do you want some more?” as Billie emptied the dish and handed it back.
“I usually eat something besides soup,” declared Billie. “Have you anything else?”