I am still alive---much alive!" "What did you do when you came to, Nicolas ?" "Senor," protested the Mexican, "there was no more need of me.

You had gone after men.

Eef you came back, you have many men with you, so you do not need me.

For that reason I come home." Even in the dark the young engineer could "feel" Nicolas's shudder.

Tom could not repress a smile that threatened to become a chuckle.
"I was varee sleepy," continued Nicolas, "and so I lay down.