pened the door and peered out, then ran hastily down the corridor
to his room. Who knew but there might be girls at the Casa Carillo?
Horrible thought!

The boys met a half hour later on the corridor, still weak, but
magnificent to look upon. Roldan's head was very high, despite his
protesting knees: he felt himself again.

"It is the hour of siesta," he said. "Let us lie in these hammocks and
wait. Ay! but it is warm, and the sky is blue, and the sun looks like
the copper lamp of my mother--the one that came from Boston. Who--even
an Indian--would live in the mountains when the valleys are so big and
warm?"

They extended themselves in two hammocks swung across the corridor and
watched the many doors on the several sides of the court. All were
closed, and the forest had hardly been more quiet than the Casa Carillo
in its hour of siesta. Through the arch of the gateway they could see
the green of fields, a corner of a vineyard, and rolling hills. On
either side of the entrance was a large magnolia-tree with broad
shining leaves and bunches of cream-white fragrance. The oranges were
very yellow, the palms very stately, the red tiles on the sloping roofs
above the white walls looked very fresh and red. There was colour and
beauty everywhere; and the boys were quite at peace, and content to be
so. Their appetite for adventure was dulled for the moment.

XIV

A door on the opposite corridor opened and a youth came forth. He
jerked his head diffidently at the guests and took the longest way
round instead of crossing the court; but when he reached the boys, who
were risen and awaiting him, he wore a dignified air of welcome, as
befitted a young gentleman of his race.

"Welcome to Casa Carillo, senores," he said gravely. "The house is
yours. Burn it if you will. I, myself, Rafael Carillo, am your slave."

To which Roldan replied: "We are at your feet, for you and yours have
rescued us from death and given us food and clothing when we most
needed it. Our lives are yours to do with as you wish."

"Then would we keep you here always, Don Roldan and Don Adan. All
guests are welcome at Casa Carillo, but doubly those that need it."

Then, formalities over, as boys are pretty much alike the world round,
Rafael was soon pouring forth eager questions, and our heroes were
reliving the events of the past weeks. Arm in arm they strolled out
into the wide beautiful valley, green with sprouting winter, the
distant mountains o