"Senorita," declared the little man, drawing himself up impressively, "I never mistake. I have been doctor when thousand and thousand die of the calentura----" "Good heavens! Poor, dear Mr. Parmelee!" murmured Mrs. Quayle. "And I know," continued Miranda, ignoring the interruption. "I say he have the calentura, the malaria. You will see in the eyes--I will show to you." Andrew, prepared for what was coming, eluded his medical tormentor, seeking safety behind the chair of the portly Leighton. "Caramba! que estupido!" growled the doctor, balked of his prey. "Bueno," he added, fanning himself resignedly, "we shall see. In Honda you take my pills. Soon we will be there. And then it is good that everyone take my pills. I am friend to you. I will take the care, I charge nothing for the family." "I'll not stay in Honda," said David, breaking the silence following this wholesale offer of assistance. "I must get to Bogota as quickly as possible. Once there I can let you know if it's safe to travel into the interior." "A good idea," assented Leighton. "If it's dangerous for us, it's dangerous for you," objected Una. "Oh, I'll take a burro loaded with the doctor's pills along with me," said David. "I know the country. I have friends in Bogota; there is no danger. And I leave you in good hands." "So, that is settle," remarked Miranda complacently. "Very good! I take care to your families. But--you will beware, my young fellow." "I tell you I'll have a burro load of your pills, doctor!" "That is good. You are not estupido, like this leetle fellow with the malaria! Remember, these people are no friend just now to the Yankee." "Everyone knows me here; I have no enemies," was the confident reply.