Victoria's stomach is boiled
red altogether, and so painful that when she comes near the stove
she curses in a way to chill your blood. What does he do this
morning but fling his wicked loop over a calf's head and break off
one of its little horns. It was terrible; but Senor Austin only
laughed and told him he was a fine vaquero."
"Has Mr. Austin been here all the time?"
"Yes."
"Has he--drunk much?"
"Um-m. No more than common. He is on the gallery now with his
cocktails."
"He knows I am at home?"
"I told him."
Alaire went on dressing. After a little she asked: "Has Benito
finished branding the calves in the south pasture?"
"He finished yesterday and sent the remuda to the Six Mile. Jose
Sanchez will have completed the rodeo by this afternoon. Benito
rode in last night to see you."
"By the way, you know Jose's cousin, Panfilo?"
"Si."
"Why did he leave Las Palmas?"
Dolores hesitated so long that her mistress turned upon her with a
look of sharp inquiry.
"He went to La Feria, senora." Then, in a lowered tone: "Mr.
Austin ordered it. Suddenly, without warning, he sent him away,
though Panfilo did not wish to go, Benito told me all about it.
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