human
We must take a run up to the States this year,
gpt
It would be jolly, old dear, said his wife, levelly, her wise eyes on his steady hands.
human
If the coffee crop runs to it!
gpt
There you have it, he growled.
human
If the coffee crop is bad we can't afford to go,--and if it's good we can't afford to leave it!
gpt
But we needn't mind when we've house parties like this! My word, Rich'--fancy having four house guests at one and the same blessed time!
human
Yes,--isn't it great? Drink?
gpt
Not this weather, thanks. That enchanted well of yours does me better. Wonderful water, isn't it?
human
Water's all right, but it's a deuce of a nuisance having to carry every drop of it up to the house.
gpt
Really? Isn't it piped?
human
Ah, but it will be one day, Rich'! I expect the first big coffee crop will go there, rather than in a trip to the States. But it is rather a bother, meanwhile.
gpt
But you have no labor question here.
human
Haven't we though? With old Diaz gone the old order is changed. This bunch I have here now are bad ones, King shook his head.
gpt
They may revolute any minute.
human
Oh, Rich'--not really?
gpt
I daresay they'll lack the energy when it comes to a show-down, Madeline. But this man Villa is a picturesque figure, you know. He appeals to the _peón_ imagination.
human
Yes. Isn't it true that there's a sort of Robin Hood quality about him--steals from the rich to give to the poor--that sort of thing?
gpt
That's more or less true, but the herd believes it utterly. He sighed.
human
It was a black day for us when Diaz sailed.
gpt
But, Uncle Rich', they _have_ had a rotten deal, haven't they?
human
Got to treat 'em like cattle, boy. It's what they are.
gpt
Well, it's what they'll always be if you keep on treating 'em that way!
human
Don't let that Yaqui fill you up with his red tales!
gpt
But you'll admit the Yaquis have been abused?
human
Well, I believe they have. They're a cut above the _peón_ in intelligence and spirit. But--can't have omelette without breaking eggs. He turned again to his elder guest.
gpt
This boy here has been palling about with a Yaqui Indian he made me take in when he was here last time.
human
Yes,--I've seen them together. Magnificent specimen, isn't he?
gpt
They are wonderfully built, most of them. This chap was pretty badly used by his master--they are virtually slaves, you know,--and bolted, and Jimsy found him one night----
human
Starving, and almost dead with weakness and his wounds,--beaten almost to death and one of his ears hacked off! And Uncle Rich' took him in and kept him for me.
gpt
And had the devil--and many _pesos_ to pay to the local _jefe_ and the naturally peevish gentleman who lost him. But at that I'll have to admit he's the best man on the _rancho_ to-day. He threw a teasing look at Honor, glowing and misty-eyed over Jimsy's championing of the oppressed.
human
The only trouble is, I suppose Jimsy will take him with him when he sets up housekeeping for himself. What do you think, Maddy? Could Yaqui Juan be taught to buttle?
gpt
No butlers for us, Uncle Rich'! Jimsy was red but unabashed.
human
We might rent him for a movie star and live on his earnings. We aren't very clear yet as to what we _will_ live on!
gpt
You are going to settle in Los Angeles?
human
Oh, said Mrs. King,
gpt
I forgot,--I asked them to come up from the quarters and make music for you! They're here now! Look! She went to the window and the others followed. The garden was filled with vaguely seen figures, massed in groups, and there was a soft murmur of voices and the tentative strumming of guitars.
human
Shall we come out on the veranda? You'll want a _rebozo_, Honor,--the nights are sharp. She called back to the serving woman.
gpt
Put out the lights, Josita.