She even permitted El Demonio to kiss the child good-by.
Her husband, since his arrival in camp, had heard much about the
eccentric American, and now, after apologizing abjectly for his
unwarranted attack, he invited Branch to visit his store when this
hideous war was over and Cuba was free. Finally, in spite of
Leslie's frantic struggles, he embraced him and planted a moist
kiss upon either cheek.
Amid loud and repeated good wishes and a cheer for the baby the
visitors rode away.
Lopez linked his arm within O'Reilly's as they turned back into
the palm-grove. With a smile he said:
"Well, I hope this has taught your friend to steal no more
babies."
"I'm afraid he'll steal the very next one he sees. He fell in love
with that one and wanted to keep it."
"Oh, he wasn't alone in that. It's queer how sentimental soldiers
become. I've often noticed it. When I was in the Rubi Hills some
of my fellows adopted a goat. We had to eat it finally, but those
men wouldn't touch a piece of the flesh--and they were starving.
By the way, how is Varona doing?"
"About the same."
Lopez frowned. "I shall have to send him to Cubitas to-morrow, for
we must be under way."
"If he has to be moved, let me do it. I'd like to be with him when
he comes out of his fever, and learn what he knows about his
sister.
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