“Perdito!” he gasped, in a thrilled voice. “Am I dreaming? Is it the devil? St. Michael forbid!”
Frank heard his startled words, and at once showed himself at the dasher of the wagon.
“No, it is not the devil,” he replied, “it is the invention of a human being.”
The Mexican was unable to reply for a moment.
Finally, however, he doffed his sombrero with great gravity and replied;
“Buenos, senor! You have the advantage—I have never seen you before. I am Jose Castrello!”
“And I am Frank Reade, Jr.,” replied Frank. “I come from the East.”
“And I am from Mexico, senor,” replied the Mexican, politely. “I am pleased to greet you.”
“The same,” replied Frank.
“But senor will pardon me. I have never seen a horse made of iron before.”