Mr. Eldridge reached out and took Carlitos’ hand in his. “I’m so happy—happy that I’ve found you at last,” he said in English. “I’ve searched for years for you.”
Carlitos stared blankly, not understanding a single word. Florence turned to Carlitos and translated what his uncle had said.
Immediately Carlitos’ face began to brighten.
“It seems terrible that my own nephew can’t understand his native language,” Mr. Eldridge remarked.
“We’d better hurry on down off this narrow trail,” put in Dr. Blackwell. He turned around and led the way down, the others following in single file.
As soon as they neared the great white house, Dr. Blackwell explained that they had better go on inside and wait till the men brought the boss down. “Mr. Eldridge wants to question him about Carlitos’ father and mother. There are also several things about the mine he’d like to find out.”
When the girls saw the three men bringing the boss in, they slipped out into the patio.
“I’ve seen all I want to of that terrible creature,” declared Jo Ann. “I never want to lay eyes on him again.”
“Neither do I,” agreed Florence.
“Aren’t you thrilled over Carlitos’ finding his uncle and his prospect of getting the mine back? Just think how his life’ll be changed now! From poverty to comfort. And now he’ll have his uncle to look after him and see that he has all the advantages he should.”