When he reached the cook tent, however, he stepped inside and the Mexican servant followed him.
"Senor," Nicolas reported, in a whisper, "I think I succeeded in my errand." "But you do not yet know ?" queried Tom.
"How can I know so soon, senor ?" questioned Nicolas.
"True," nodded Tom.
Then he stepped outside the tent, remarking: "Our food supply is so low, Nicolas, that I fear you will have to take the basket and go after more." "It shall be done, senor," promised the servant, and going into the tent appeared a moment later with a basket.
Tom handed him some money.
"I am listening to your orders, senor." "Oh, you know as well what food to get as I do," Tom rejoined.
"But," he added, under his voice, "you _must_ get me some--" Here Tom added the Spanish names of three or four drugs that he wanted.
"I think I shall be able to get the drugs, senor.

Some of the _peons_ must keep them in their houses." "You must get them, as I said.

Now, make good time.

I will await your return." Then Tom drew Harry aside, describing the finding of the fever-stricken stranger.
"Who on earth can he be ?" wondered Harry, curiously.

"And what can he be doing in this out of the way part of the world ?" "That's his own secret," retorted Tom, dryly; and the man is bent on keeping it.