He sat up and looked around, but could see nothing, except a ray of light coming in through a little crack between a couple of blankets that formed a curtain in a doorway. "Where in the name of common sense am I?" he muttered. He attempted to get to his feet, but the pain in his ankle brought him quickly to himself. "Now I remember!" he exclaimed. "I fell and sprained my ankle. But how did I get here?" He started to call, but at that moment the music ceased and a minute later he heard voices saying good night. Then a door was closed and immediately the curtains were thrown open and a peon woman stood in the door. "Oh!" she exclaimed, upon seeing Adrian sitting up and looking at her. "Then you are not dead?" "I should say not. Did you think I was?" "I was afraid so." "Why?" "Because your death might be laid at my door." "Evidently she hasn't discovered I am an American," thought Adrian. "Well, I'll not tell her until I have to." The woman turned around and called to some one in the other room and another figure appeared in the door--that of a girl some fifteen years of age. "Look, Peppita," and the elder woman pointed at Adrian. The girl gave a little scream. "_Madre mia!_" she exclaimed. "Who is it?" "I know not, my child. I found him unconscious at our back door and dragged him inside." "I beg your pardon," said Adrian. "I didn't know I was near any house." "It is a very poor one, senor. I and my daughter are all alone since my poor Leocadio was killed." "Who killed him?" asked Adrian, becoming interested. "The Huertistas. He was a soldier under Gen. Dorantes." "Is that so?" exclaimed Adrian. "I know Gen. Dorantes well. He is a fine man. But you will soon be avenged, for Huerta's days are short." The woman's eyes snapped. "_Es verdad?_" meaning, "Is it true?" "It certainly is. Since the Americans have taken Vera Cruz, Gen. Huerta will have to go. It is only a question of a few days." "_Bienissimo!_ The Americans are brave men! My Leocadio was fond of the Americans." "I am glad of that, senora, for I am an American." The woman and girl both started back as in fear and then came forward again. "How did you come here, senor?" "I fell from a horse and sprained my ankle. I tried to walk and must have fainted." "Have you friends in Moreno?" "I did have, but they have gone and I want to get to Vera Cruz." "Vera Cruz is a long way, senor. I never expect to go that far from home--me and my little Peppa." Adrian smiled. "I expect it does look like a long ways to you, senora; but it is not far. Do you think I can stay here with you until my ankle is well enough to walk? I have a little money. I will pay you something." "Oh, Mother!" exclaimed the girl, who now spoke for the first time. "You will let him stay, won't you?" "The wife of Leocadio would not turn a lame dog out, much less a lame boy."