But he did not do more than say good-bye outside the shanty; and,
leaving his horse still hitched up near the door, he presently
re-entered the canteen.
The place had emptied considerably, and he was able to take his seat
again in a corner without attracting much attention. For half-an-half
or more he watched this boy, who seemed to interest him so much.
"There's not a doubt of it. I must know what it means," and he
beckoned the "imp" towards him.
"How did you get to the Crimea?" he asked, abruptly, speaking in
excellent Spanish, when the lad, shyly and most reluctantly, came up
to him. "What brings you here? I must and will know. It is very wrong.
This is no place for you."
"I came to save him; he is in pressing danger," said the boy, whose
large eyes were now filled with tears.
"Does he know you are in the Crimea?"
"I have been unable to find him. I lost all my money; it was stolen
from me directly I landed, and, if I had not found this place with the
black woman, I should have starved."
"Poor child! Alone and unprotected in this terrible place. It was
sheer madness your coming."
"But I could tell him in no other way."
"Tell him what?"
"He has two bitter and implacable enemies, who are sworn to take his
life."
Hyde shook his head gravely.
"It is true, as Heaven is my witness--perfectly true.
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