It was obvious that he was thinner.

He was also growing much paler, except for a red flush on the cheek bones.

Mr.Austin became alarmed, but Ned obstinately refused any help, always asserting with emphasis that he had no ailment of any kind.

But the man could see that he had become much lighter, and he wondered at the boy's physical failure.

De Zavala, also, expressed his sorrow in sonorous Spanish, but Ned, while thanking them, steadily disclaimed any need of sympathy.
The boy found the days hard, but the nights were harder.