As they left the _fonda_ to follow the long white road for a short distance they observed the Englishman pacing up and down, taking the solace of his pipe. “I know he is lonely, poor fellow,” remarked Patty. “I don’t suppose Juan could invite him to go with us, could he?” “Juan is not going with us; he has some letters to write,” said Doña Martina shortly. “Did he tell you where to find the drug store?” “Yes, it is in the jail building.” “Heavens! what a combination. Healing for bodily ills on one hand and punishment on the other. And where is Tomás?” “He is helping Juan.” “Then we go alone, do we? Is it safe?” “Do you imagine that bandits are going to descend upon us from the mountains? You couldn’t be safer in your own room, and you’re far safer than you would be at home. Come along, Patty, and don’t be so silly.” “You see Paulette and I have been so used to being Argus-eyed by a sister we don’t dare move without one.” “And am I not sister enough?” “Oh, well, yes, but I can’t get accustomed to your being a proper chaperon although you have tried to serve in that capacity ever since I was born. You don’t tell me this is the place? Why, it looks like a plain stone house.” “Yes, I am sure this is the place.” “But there is no light.” “We will knock.” After some banging on the door they heard footsteps coming down the stairs, keys jingled and a bolt was drawn back, then a man appeared, candle in hand. Evidently trade was not so brisk as to require the constant presence of the druggist in the shop. He ushered them into a queer little place, fumbled sleepily around among the shelves and finally produced the articles they wanted, the door was locked and bolted after them and they returned to the _fonda_. The whiff of a pipe and the appearance of a figure which stepped out of the shadow told them that the Englishman was following. “I do believe he came behind us all the way,” whispered Patty, “just to see that no harm befell us. That was rather nice, I think.” “It was entirely unnecessary,” replied her sister, “and I am not sure but that it was impertinent.” “Oh, Tina. I don’t believe that, do you, Paulette?” “It maybe was an impertinence,” said Paulette after a little hesitation. “Oh bless me! How suspicious you are. Of course it would necessarily be so in your country,” returned Patty annoyed at this construction. “For my part I think it was a nice knightly thing to do. Quite like an American and a Southerner at that.” “Oh, dear me, Patty,” Doña Martina began, “if you begin to create knights in this free and easy style I don’t know where you will land. Give you a bone and you will construct a mastodon any time.”