At one effort the negro snapped the cords that held
him. Ah, he is a powerful brute."
"He is," Tom affirmed solemnly.
"I knew it was my task to keep the negro from getting away," continued the
little Mexican excitedly. "So I leaped up, extended my forefinger and
rushed at him. But thees Evarts---hees feest catch me between the eyes.
I do not have to guess the spot where he struck me, Senor, for I can
feel it yet. Down I went, and knew no more. When next I opened my
eyes I found myself lying in the middle of a theecket of bushes. I theenk,
perhaps, the scoundrels believed they had killed me, and so they hid my
body. But I have fool' them. I am still alive---much alive!"
"What did you do when you came to, Nicolas?"
"Senor," protested the Mexican, "there was no more need of me. You had
gone after men. Eef you came back, you have many men with you, so you do
not need me. For that reason I come home."
Even in the dark the young engineer could "feel" Nicolas's shudder. Tom
could not repress a smile that threatened to become a chuckle.
"I was varee sleepy," continued Nicolas, "and so I lay down. I forgot to
undress, or even to take off my shoes. I fall asleep, and I dream much.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170