carrying it out, but it was hard, very hard. He foresaw that he would
have to strengthen his will many, many times. Mr. Austin took no further
worry on Ned's account, thinking that he would be all right again in a
day or two.

But at the dinner which was brought to them in the middle of the day
Ned showed a marked failure of appetite, and Mr. Austin felt real
concern. The boy, however, was sure that he would be all right before
the day was over.

"It must be the lack of fresh air and exercise," said Mr. Austin. "You
can really take exercise in here, Ned. Besides, you said that you were
going to escape. If you fall ill you will have no chance at all."

He spoke half in jest, but Ned took him seriously.

"I am not ill, Uncle Steve," he said. "I really feel very well, but I
have lost my appetite. Maybe I am getting tired of these Mexican
dishes."

"Take exercise! take exercise!" said Mr. Austin with emphasis.

"I think I will," said Ned.

Physical exercise, after all, fitted in with his ideas, and that
afternoon he worked hard at all the gymnastic feats possible within the
three rooms to which they were confined. De Zavala came in and expressed
his astonishment at the athletic feats, which Ned continued with
unabated zeal despite his presence.