Paul and Jim did not say a word until the door was fastened and they were
left to the darkness. Then it was Jim who unburdened himself.
"Paul," he said, "did you ever see a panther gittin' ready to jump? Notice
how his eyes turn a yellery-green, 'cause he thinks he's goin' to git what
he wants right away? Notice how his mouth is slobberin' 'cause he thinks
he's goin' to hev his dinner on the spot. Notice how his body is drawed
up, an' his tail is slowly movin' side to side, 'cause he thinks he's
goin' to sink his claws in tender flesh the next second! Wa'al that
panther makes me think uv this here Spaniard, Alvarez. I think we kin look
fur jest about ez much kindness an' gentlin' from him ez a fawn could
expect from a hungry panther."
"You are certainly right, Jim," said Paul.
"Uv course! Ef I didn't know thar wuz so many soldiers about, I'd send a
whoop through one uv them little winders thar, an' bring Henry, Tom, an'
Sol here to let us out."
"As we can't do that, Jim," said Paul, "I think I'll go to sleep."
CHAPTER X
A BARBARIC ORDEAL
When Paul awoke the next morning just after daylight, he did not feel very
good. Accustomed all his life to fresh air and infinite spaces, the close,
hot little log house oppressed him.
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