I
went round the corner of that there cactus wood, never thinkin' ye were
in it, and I expect I got well to this side before you was out. When I
got to this creek I rode up and down it, then crossed over, thinkin' ye
might hev gone on. It was only when I saw smoke that I said to myself
for the fust time: 'There they be.' And you bet it did me good, for I
was powerful worried."
"Don Jim," said Roldan, "you are a kind and good man. I love you, and I
will always be your friend."
"So. Well, I'm powerful glad to hear that. You ain't much like 'Merican
kids, but you're pretty clever all the same, and I like ye better 'n any
boy I ever know'd, hanged if I don't. Don't be jealous, sonny"--to
Adan--"I like ye too--but Rolly--well!"
"You would not like Roldan half so well if it were not for me," said
Adan, whose face expressed nothing.
"So. Well. Now, be ye rested? We want to git to old Sanchez' fur a good
supper and a soft bed to-night."
The boys rose with alacrity. Hill bade them mount his powerful horse,
and walked beside them.
Sanchez' house was only three miles away, but the road lay through
chaparral which sprang across in many places.
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