"

Once more he arose to his feet and took several steps and then
sank down in a faint, so great was the pain.

When he came to himself he was lying upon a matting of some kind
and to his ears came the faint sound of a guitar, followed a few
moments later by sounds of girlish laughter.

He sat up and looked around, but could see nothing, except a ray
of light coming in through a little crack between a couple of
blankets that formed a curtain in a doorway.

"Where in the name of common sense am I?" he muttered.

He attempted to get to his feet, but the pain in his ankle
brought him quickly to himself.

"Now I remember!" he exclaimed. "I fell and sprained my ankle.
But how did I get here?"

He started to call, but at that moment the music ceased and a
minute later he heard voices saying good night. Then a door was
closed and immediately the curtains were thrown open and a peon
woman stood in the door.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, upon seeing Adrian sitting up and looking at
her. "Then you are not dead?"

"I should say not. Did you think I was?"

"I was afraid so."

"Why?"

"Because your death might be laid at my door."

"Evidently she hasn't discovered I am an American," thought
Adrian. "Well, I'll not tell her until I have to."

The woman turned around and called to some one in the other room
and another figure appeared in the door--that of a girl some
fifteen years of age.

"Look, Peppita," and the elder woman pointed at Adrian.

The girl gave a little scream.

"_Madre mia!_" she exclaimed. "Who is it?"

"I know not, my child. I found him unconscious at our back door
and dragged him inside."

"I beg your pardon," said Adrian. "I didn't know I was near any
house."

"It is a very poor one, senor. I and my daughter are all alone
since my poor Leocadio was killed."

"Who killed him?" asked Adrian, becoming interested.

"The Huertistas. He was a soldier under Gen. Dorantes."

"Is that so?" exclaimed Adrian. "I know Gen. Dorantes well. He is
a fine man. But you will soon be avenged, for Huerta's days are
short."

The woman's eyes snapped.

"_Es verdad?_" meaning, "Is it true?"

"It certainly is. Since the Americans have taken Vera Cruz, Gen.
Huerta will have to go. It is only a question of a few days."

"_Bienissimo!_ The Americans are brave men! My Leocadio was fond
of the Americans."

"I am glad of that, senora, for I am an American."

The woman and girl both started back as in fear and th