Why does the boy pretend that Santiago has a net and a pot of rice when he doesn't?

Manolin's actions are a perfect example of honor and loyalty. He would never do anything to make Santiago feel bad. Santiago insisted he had a net and a pot of rice, and Manolin would never dishonor him by questioning his words. He would rather go about and simply make other things appear. This is what love is made of..... pure innocence.