"You must not forget it, Francisco," said Nellie, reluctantly tearing herself away.
"Hi! hi! Chrysantha!" called Francisco to an old woman who waved her hand at them as they passed. Then he said something in Spanish. The old woman spoke to her companions. They all laughed merrily, nodding pleasantly to the children, and the old woman called out something several times to Francisco.
"What do they mean? What is she saying?" asked Nellie, looking back at them shyly.
"They are telling me you will be welcome to wash with them whenever you wish," said the boy. "They like you."
Arrived at the tent, Nellie admitted that she was tired. But Walter begged to be allowed to go back on the wagon with Francisco, who had to fetch some eggs to a lady in the village and draw some more water before evening.
Rosinante jogging leisurely along, they soon came in sight of the old adobe. The figure of a woman standing in the rear of the church at once attracted the attention of Francisco.
"It is the missionary lady!" he exclaimed. "It is the mother of William. She has come to say something about what has happened. How I wish she would stay away!"
The woman came forward to meet them. She was smiling; evidently she had not yet had an interview with her hopeful son.
The boys exchanged glances. Francisco breathed more freely.
"I am pleased to see that you are in a better humor to-day," she said sweetly. "And who is your companion?"