"Years ago," he said, "Tony was a little boy who played in the streets of Seville. He liked to play bullfight. This is the cape with which he angered the make-believe bull. I was that bull."
"You, Juan? You were the bull?" laughed Pilar.
"Yes, and a fierce one with great horns which I held proudly to my head," answered Juan. "But today," he went on, "today this Tony—ah, he is a very rich man. He has made many American dollars."
"But how did his cape come to be among my mother's souvenirs?" asked Pilar.
"When Tony went away to seek his fortune in America," said Juan, "he must have given it to your mother. They lived next door to each other when they were children. They were very good friends."
"But why should I send the cape to Tony in America?" asked Pilar.
"Because," answered Juan, "I am sure that he will remember your mother and help you in your trouble."
Pilar's eyes shone. "Oh, do you think so?" she cried.
| JUAN, THE SHOPKEEPER |
Juan nodded his head knowingly. "I shall send it for you, Pilar," he said. "And I shall write a letter, too, and tell Tony about your sick grandfather. Now take this money, child, and buy what you need."