Page:The Bridge of San Luis Rey (Grossett & Dunlap).pdf/143

 The next morning he was waiting at the bottom of the stairs when Esteban appeared:

“We’re starting when you’re ready,” said the Captain.

The strange glitter had returned to the boy’s eyes. He blurted out: “No, I’m not coming. I’m not coming after all.”

“Aïe! Esteban! But you have promised me that you would come.”

“It’s impossible. I can’t come with you,” and he turned back up the stairs.

“Come here a moment, Esteban, just a moment.”

“I can’t come with you. I can’t leave Peru.”

“I want to tell you something.”

Esteban came down to the foot of the stairs.

“How about that present for Madre María del Pilar?” asked the Captain in a low voice. Esteban was silent, looking over the mountains. “You aren’t going to take that present away from her? It might mean a lot to her you know.”