“Then you will help me to find my friends?”
“Assuredly, senorita. Come in and rest. My accommodations are poor, but they are better than none. Come in, senorita.”
No longer she feared to enter that forbidding aperture, but led by Pedro, walked in. The mustang, seeing her mistress disappear, came slowly toward the entrance.
“Why, what a dismal, gloomy place,” said Kissie, timidly halting in the entrance. “What is it—who lives here?”
“It is an old outlaw den,” replied Pedro. “But no outlaws occupy it now—its only resident is your servant.”
Much she marveled, but she did not ask any questions, as she was faint from lack of nourishment. Pedro, for security’s sake, led her into the second chamber, and shaking up the tattered, musty blankets, bade her rest while he procured food, he going out for the purpose.
She reclined on the soft blankets, greatly surprised at the strange events in which she had participated. But she did so unaccompanied by any feelings of alarm or of grief, for now she had found a haven of rest.
She sunk into a dreamy doze, delicious for its being indulged in perfect safety. She had heard of the man outside—she was aware he was a far-famed and respected scout and warrior; she knew he would protect her. She could hear him in the next room stirring about, whistling under his breath, and the savory odor of roasting meat floated to her nostrils. A lingering trace of uneasiness alone remained—she knew her friends would be alarmed about her.
This latter feeling was not strong enough to seriously alarm her, as she conceived it an easy task for them to find her. Mingling with it was a delicious sense of security and peace, of rest and nourishment, and the savory smell of the adjoining cookery. Gradually these blended into one feeling; Pedro’s whistle outside became more melodious and softer—the dull, gloomy air of the dark apartment soothed her, and she fell asleep.
Pedro, as he cooked his bit of venison (he had killed an antelope when on the Gila), reflected and pondered, and his thoughts shaped themselves into words.