my own cooking, and I'll make you as comfortable as a parsimonious
Government will allow me."

Thacker had set the time at a week, but it was two weeks before the
design that he patiently tattooed upon the Kid's hand was to his
notion. And then Thacker called a _muchacho_, and dispatched this
note to the intended victim:


EL SEÑOR DON SANTOS URIQUE,
La Casa Blanca,

MY DEAR SIR:

I beg permission to inform you that there is in my house as
a temporary guest a young man who arrived in Buenas Tierras
from the United States some days ago. Without wishing to
excite any hopes that may not be realized, I think there is
a possibility of his being your long-absent son. It might be
well for you to call and see him. If he is, it is my opinion
that his intention was to return to his home, but upon
arriving here, his courage failed him from doubts as to how
he would be received. Your true servant,

THOMPSON THACKER.


Half an hour afterward--quick time for Buenas Tierras--Señor
Urique's ancient landau drove to the consul's door, with the
barefooted coachman beating and shouting at the team of fat, awkward