He took a half-smoked cigar from the pocket of his shirt
and lit it, scowling the while at his friend. More than once
during the evening O'Reilly detected his sullen, angry eyes upon
him.
General Betancourt and several members of his staff were up early
the following morning to bid their visitor good-by. In spite of
their efforts to make the parting cheerful it was plain that they
had little hope of ever again seeing this foolhardy American.
Johnnie's spirits were not in the least affected by this ill-
concealed pessimism, for, as he told himself, he had money in his
pockets and Matanzas was not many miles away. But when he came to
part from Jacket he experienced a genuine disappointment. The boy,
strangely enough, was almost indifferent to his leaving; he merely
extended a limp and dirty hand, and replied to O'Reilly's parting
words with a careless "Adios!"
In hurt surprise the former inquired, "Don't we part good
friends?"
"Sure!" Jacket shrugged, then turned away.
Jacket was a likable youngster; his devotion was thoroughly
unselfish; it had not been easy to wound him. With keener regrets
than he cared to acknowledge O'Reilly set out upon his journey,
following the guide whom General Betancourt had provided.
It was a lovely morning, sufficiently warm to promise a hot
midday; the air was moist and fresh from a recent shower.
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