"Then perhaps it is because I am an Indian and red, not white like yourselves?"
"Are you an Indian, Señorita?" asked Blanch. "I thought you were a Mexican."
"And if I were, I would not be ashamed of it!"
"What a strange creature!" thought Bessie.
"But why did the Señoritas laugh when they saw me?" persisted Chiquita, her expression softening a bit, a faint smile illumining her face.
"Believe me, Señorita," replied Blanch, "we were not laughing at you at all. We were laughing at Captain Forest."
"Ah, the Señor!" ejaculated Chiquita.
"Yes," continued Blanch, "we had already heard of you through Captain Forest, and—I—" she hesitated, "I really can't explain because you wouldn't understand, you know."
"But I do understand, Señorita," answered Chiquita quietly. "You do not deceive me, and since you refuse to tell me why you laughed, I shall be obliged to tell you. I think I can guess the truth."
"Really, I'm curious!" and Blanch smiled compassionately.