“Speak.”
“You have a pair of fleet mustangs?”
“Yes, and they are at your service,” said the youth.
“And yourself also?” asked Pedro.
“Command me,” said Carlos.
“Ride with one mustang to the next town, ten miles away,” said Pedro. “Leave the other mustang for me. I am faint with hunger, and when I have eaten I will mount your mustang and ride to where you are with all speed, and you must have a fleet mustang ready for me to leap upon when I dash in.”
“What would you do?”
“Save my parents’ life,” said the brave boy. “Before sunset to-morrow rescuers shall be here. Away!”
Carlos vanished, carrying with him a small sum of money to pay for the mustang he was to have ready at the next village.
“Who will give me food?” asked the hungry boy, and half a dozen eagerly tried to lead him away to their humble cots, while others led forth the fleet young mustang he was to ride.