and what do you want?" sharply cried the Mexican lad.

"I am very sorry to disturb you," said a cracked, unsteady voice. "I
have the next room. You can do me a favor."

Now Felipe was lonesome. Staying hidden in that squalid room had made
him wretched and homesick. He longed to talk to some one, and he
cautiously opened the door.

Outside stood a man bent as if with age, leaning heavily on a crooked
cane. He was the picture of poverty. His threadbare clothes had been
mended in many places. His dirty, gray hair was long and uncombed. The
soles of his shoes were almost wholly worn away, and the uppers were
broken in two or three places. He brushed his hair back from his eyes
with a trembling hand that seemed unfamiliar with soap and water.

"I hope I have not disturbed you," he said meekly. "I have torn the
sleeve of my coat on a nail. I would like to borrow a needle and thread
to mend it. I must keep myself looking as well as I possibly can, for my
lawyer may call any moment to inform me that I have won my suit and am a
very wealthy man."

"I am sorry, senor," said Felipe; "but it is not my fortune to possess a
needle and thread."

The old man lifted one trembling, curved hand to the back of his ear,
which he turned toward the speaker.

"I didn't quite get your answer," he said. "I am a trifle deaf--only a
trifle."

Felipe raised his voice.

"I have not a needle and thread. I would willingly assist you if I had.
I am sorry."

"I am sorry, too," sighed the old man, looking regretfully at the rent
in his sleeve. "I should be greatly mortified if my lawyer came and
found me in this condition."

The boy felt that this wretched old man would be better company than
none at all.

"Won't you come in and sit down?" he asked.

"Eh?"

"I would be pleased to have you come in, senor."

"Oh, I don't know. I'm not dressed for calling. But then, as we room
near each other, I presume you'll see me often in my working clothes."

He entered the room and lowered himself upon the chair that Felipe
placed. The boy sat on the bed.

"Did I understand you to say, senor, that you have the next room?"

"Eh? A little louder, please."

Jalisco repeated the question.

"Yes, yes," answered the old man. "I have just taken it. Had to pay a
week in advance, and it happens that it took all my money, therefore I'm
unable to purchase a needle and thread. But," he quickly added, "in a
very few days, when the law gives me my rights