It is clear
why one people after another selected the Valley of Mexico for their
abiding place. But blood will tell for evil as well as for good, and
the bad strain here must be thinned down. The hills are rich in
minerals, and the valleys are fertile, and all the land needs is
a race of steady, patient workers--fewer bull fights and less pulque
and more days' work."
As the drummer ceased speaking, Jimmie laid a warning hand on his
shoulder and bent his head forward in a listening attitude.
"Listen!" he said. "There are men talking just over that slope."
CHAPTER XIII.
CAPTURED THE WRONG BOY.
As the boys listened voices came distinctly to their ears.
It was evident that the men who were talking had only
recently arrived at the spot where they stood, for all
had been quiet a short time before.
The boys crept closer and saw a party of rough-looking
natives gathered about an evil-looking man, who appeared
to be an Englishman, and a slender figure which Jimmie
had no difficulty in recognizing as that of George Fremont.
The sinister Englishman, undoubtedly the leader of the
party, was a giant of a fellow.
As the boys looked, he reached forth a great hand and,
seizing Fremont by one shoulder, shook him fiercely.
Then it was seen that Fremont's hands were tied behind
his back. Jimmie started forward, involuntarily, at
sight of the brutality of the act, but the drummer
drew him back.
"You'll have to remain quiet," the latter said, "if you
want to help your friend.
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