"
Now Jose had no faintest idea what the general was talking about,
but to be called the good friend of so illustrious a person was
flattering. He nodded decisively.
"Yes, beyond doubt," he agreed.
"Mexico is in a bad way. These rebels are growing by the
thousands; they overrun the country like ants. You read the
papers, eh?"
"Sometimes; when there are enough pictures," said Jose.
"Ha! Then I doubt if you know what is happening. Well, I'll have
to tell you. Our enemies have taken all northern Mexico except
that part which is under my control; but they are pushing toward
me from two sides, and I prepare to retreat. That is not the
worst, however; the Gringos are hoping to profit by Mexico's
distress; they are making ready to invade our Fatherland, and
every Mexican must fight or become a slave."
This was indeed news! Jose began patriotically cursing the whole
American people.
"Understand, I make you my confidant because I think a great deal
of you, Jose." The general laid an affectionate hand upon Jose's
shoulder. "The first time I saw you I said: 'There's a boy after
my own heart. I shall learn to love that Jose, and I shall put him
in the way of his fortune.
Pages:
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361