You tell him
who Jemimy is, mister; and tell 'im she's a derned good talker, and
most convincin' in a argyment."
"He says Jemima is not a senora," translated Dade, his eyes twinkling,
"but his rifle; and the ninos are his pistols."
Don Andres hid a smile under his white mustache. "Very good. Yet I
think your language must lack expression, Senor Hunter. It required
much speech to say so little." There was a twinkle in his own eyes.
"Also, Jose acts like a fool. You may tell the big senor that the
land is mine, but that I do not desire to use harsh methods, nor have
ill-feeling between us. It is my wish to live in harmony with all
men; my choice of a majordomo should bear witness that I look upon
Americanos with a friendly eye. I think the big hombre is honest and
intelligent; his face rather pleases me. So you may tell him that Jose
shall not trouble him again, and that I shall not dispute with him
about his remaining here, if to remain should be his purpose when he
knows the land belongs to me. But I shall look upon him as a guest. As
a guest, he will be welcome until such time as he may find some free
land upon which to build his casa."
Because the speech was kindly and just, and because he was in the
service of the don, Dade translated as nearly verbatim as the two
languages would permit. And Jerry Simpson, while he listened, gave
several hard pulls with his lips upon the short stem of his pipe,
discovered that there was no fire there, straightened his long leg
and felt gropingly for a match in the depth of a great pocket in his
trousers.
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