CHAPTER II.
A HAIR-CUT The optimism of Mr.Austin endured the next morning, but Ned was gloomy.
Since it was his habit to be silent, the man did not notice it at first.
The breakfast was good, with tortillas, frijoles, other Mexican dishes and coffee, but the boy had no appetite.

He merely picked at his food, made a faint effort or two to drink his coffee and finally put the cup back almost full in the saucer.

Then Mr.Austin began to observe.
"Are you ill, Ned ?" he asked.

"Is this imprisonment beginning to tell upon you?
I had thought that you were standing it well.

Can't you eat ?" "I don't believe I'm hungry," replied the boy, "but there is nothing else the matter with me.