can, from his
swarthy complexion, but there was a look of compassion in his dark eyes
that inspired Jack with confidence, and made him feel that he had found
a friend in need.

'Where am I?' he asked feebly, fearing the man would not understand the
English words, and his relief was great when the Mexican answered:

'In my tent. I had lost some sheep last night that scattered in the
storm, and while looking for them, my dog Senor found you lyin' on the
prairie. You were hurt here'--pointing to his forehead--'and I thought
you were dead. I carried you here, and you were nearly gone, but I got
you round at last. You've got mountain fever, and you must keep very
still if you want to get well. Here, drink this.'

[Illustration: '"HERE," SAID THE MEXICAN, "DRINK THIS."']

As he spoke he handed Jack a cup, and the boy, thanking him, drank the
liquid, which the Mexican told him was a kind of tea he made from the
wild sage which grew all over the prairie and was a grand remedy for
agues and fevers.

Jack was suffering from the chill he received in his state of fatigue,
and it was fortunate for him he had been rescued in time by the
shepherd's dog, and had fallen into the hands of such a kind-hearted,
sensible man as Pedro Gomez, who had lived all his life on the prairie
near the mountains, and knew how to treat most of the maladies that
people were subject to in that part of the country.

He saw Jack was excited, so wisely said, 'I shan't listen to you for a
day or two, but when you're better, then you can tell me where you come
from. It was lucky I found you in time.'

'Yes,' said Jack. 'I believe I asked God to help me, and I expect He
heard, for, ye see, He sent you to me.'

The Mexican listened gravely, and said, 'I reckon you've got Him to
thank for it arter all, for it was strange we should come across you,
and not another soul near you for miles.'

He then gave Jack injunctions to lie very still until he returned
again, and prepared to go back to his sheep. He first called his dog
and put him on guard.

'There,' he said; 'if you want me, just tell Senor. He knows more than
many a man, and 'll come for me at once.'

Jack looked gratefully at him, and said wistfully, 'I guess ye don't
hate kids, like Lem?'

'Hate 'em?' repeated Pedro. 'No! My boss has two little uns at his
ranch, and I've nursed 'em often. They just love to play with Senor,
and want me to tell them prairie tales when I'm there all