Morning found all hands more nearly rational and feeling the first
gnawings of a healthy hunger. Even Asensio confessed to a quite
miraculous improvement. While Evangelina prepared breakfast the
lovers agreed upon a story to explain the origin of that
mysterious gold piece, and later Johnnie warned Jacket for a
second time to keep his tongue between his teeth.
"We will have to be doubly careful now," he told the boy. "An
unguarded word or an incautious move would be the end of us."
Jacket nodded his complete comprehension. "Sure! All Spaniards are
robbers and they'd kill us for a peso. Yes, and the pacificos are
no better. I tell you we need to get out of this place."
"I intend to arrange it at once, but--the sight of those jewels
has frightened me. If we are searched--if we are even suspected--"
"Oh, Rosa wouldn't have any more use for her pretty trinkets.
She'd be in heaven before you could scratch your nose."
O'Reilly frowned. "She isn't at all strong yet. I'm wondering if
she can endure the hardships we'll encounter when, or if, we get
away."
"Exactly what I was thinking. I've been considering another plan."
"Indeed?" O'Reilly scanned the face of his young friend with
interest. He was beginning to have a high regard for Jacket's
capabilities, and the boy's exploit of the night before certainly
entitled him to be heard upon any subject.
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