Besides, I'm
gittin' pow'ful hungry. I wonder ef they mean to starve us to death.
Strikes me that's an awful mean way uv killin' a man. He not only dies but
he's so terrible hungry sech a long time."
But Long Jim's forebodings were not fulfilled. When the light that came
through the little windows began to grow dusky, the door was thrown open
and Luiz and another man entered with food and water. Luiz could not speak
English, but he could make pantomime, and in that dumb but suggestive way
he invited them to partake freely. Long Jim's good humor returned.
"Don't keer ef I do, Mr. Spaniard," he said jovially. "It's a failin' uv
mine to want to eat whenever I'm hungry, an' since you're invitin', why,
I'll jest accept."
The door was left open while Luiz and the soldier were inside, but
several other soldiers were on guard at the opening, and there was no
chance for a dash. But fresh air came in, the cooler air of the evening,
and Paul and Long Jim were greatly relieved. Yet Jim Hart cast many a
longing glance at the open door. Outside was the wide world, and his place
was there. Darkness was coming, but darkness would have no terrors for
Long Jim, if only there were no walls about him.
When hunger and thirst were satisfied, Luiz and his comrade fell back
respectfully.
Pages:
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190