The bomberos, like all wood rangers living far from the colony, are obliged to cure their own wounds, and hence acquire a certain practical knowledge of medicine through employing the remedies and simples in use among the Indians.
Pedrito, assisted by Pepe and Juan, washed Don Torribio's wounds with rum and water, moistened his temples, and puffed tobacco smoke up his nostrils. The young man gave an almost insensible sigh, stirred slightly, and opened his eyes, which wandered round vacantly.
"He is saved!" said Pedrito; "Now leave Nature to act, for she is the best physician I know."
Don Torribio raised himself on an elbow, passed his hand over his forehead, as if to regain his memory and thought, and said, in a weak voice—
"Who are you?"
"Friends, sir—fear nothing."
"I feel as if every bone in my body were broken."
"There is no danger, sir; with the exception of the fatigue, you are well as we are."
"I hope so, my worthy friends; but by what miracle did you arrive in time to save me?"
"Your horse performed this miracle; had it not, you were lost."