"[...]fairly good command of English, and he and the boys became warm friends during the ensuing week. As Jack, owing to his previous visit to South America, on which occasion he had learned the language, could speak and read Spanish fluently, and as he had imparted considerable knowledge of the language to Frank and Bob, the four got along famously. Horseback rides about the city and its environs were of daily occurrence, young de Avilar managing his mount in superb fashion despite the injured wrist. During the week, the boys saw little of Mr. Hampton and Senor de Avilar. The two older men were closeted in long conferences with others [...]".