Part 7 (2/2)

”How long's a 'dog's age,' Aunt Sally?” demanded Ned as he helped himself to a b.u.t.tered biscuit which Pasqual had just placed on the old lady's plate.

”Age as long as a dog,” commented Luis, seizing the biscuit from his mate and running away with it. Of course, Ned gave chase, and the usual battle ensued, after which they dropped down upon the spot where they had fought, threw their arms around each other's necks, and munched the biscuit together with an air of cherubic delight.

Everybody laughed at the pair, upon which Aunt Sally now descended with a threatening mien and a plate of plum cake.

”Ain't you ashamed of yourselves, you naughty children? Fighting half your time. Here! Eat that and let your suppers stop. By the way, how many suppers have you had already?”

”Six or seven,” promptly replied Ned, who had eaten with whoever invited him.

”Sixty-seven,” echoed Luis.

”Then to bed you go, this instant!” And off they were marched, without delay. Of course, this was another postponement of Mrs. Benton's own meal, but she didn't mind that, so long as she had an opportunity to deal with the small lads. Explaining to them, as she undressed and bathed them: ”You'd go to wrack and ruin if 'twasn't for me takin' a hand in your upbringin' now and then. You pull the wool over Gabriella's eyes the worst ever was. My! What you doing now, Edward Trent?”

”Pullin' wool, like you said!” and wound the white blanket he had caught from his cot the more tightly about Luis' head.

Meanwhile, the ranch mistress had gained the office and asked admission at its locked door. When a long wait ensued, she reflected rather anxiously upon what the men had often said, ”That Old Century is as top-lofty as a king. Thinks he is a king, in his own rights, and his having lived a hundred years makes him better'n anybody else.”

This was quite true. Faithful and devoted to her as he was, the shepherd exacted even from her the respect that was his due. On that day he felt that much more than ordinary consideration was owing him; yet he had been left for hours, unvisited by her for whom he had done, and meant still to do, so much. Therefore, it was with a bearing full of injured dignity that he at last slid the bolt and opened the door, though he did not invite the visitor to enter, nor withdraw from the opening.

”I came to see about your supper, good Pedro. Do you know that it has been cooked in the old mission oven? That should make it taste fine to you. You must pardon my not being earlier, but there have been so many, many guests. All gone now, save our own people.”

”Senorita, am I not also a guest, yes? Was one at Sobrante as old as me? Should not I have ruled the feast?”

”Indeed, you should, my friend, if there had been any ruling whatever.

It was simply take and eat, and away to their distant homes. You are already at home, nor have I, either, tasted food. Come now and feast with me. I am hungry, and so should you be. You mustn't keep the mistress waiting, you know!”

Pedro's countenance had softened, and he had expended all his sternness, but his caution remained. With a significant glance toward his prisoner, the dwarf, he shook his head.

”When he is safe, then will I break my fast. The senorita does me honor.”

”That is what I should like to do, dear Pedro. But is not poor Ferd safe in here? Can we not send him in some supper and turn the lock upon him?”

She could not hide the repugnance she felt toward the miserable, misshapen creature, now sleeping on the floor, and after one glance in his direction looked swiftly away. But that glance had been sufficient to startle her by its resemblance to another face she hoped never to see again.

Pedro's keen old eyes noticed her surprise and dismay, and he smiled grimly.

”The mistress sees. Slumber shows it--the likeness. One breed of snakes were in the den. Fear both, watch both, for they are brothers.

Yes.”

This, then, explained many things; not the least, the wonderful influence and control which Antonio had always maintained over his half-witted ”left hand,” as the ”boys” called the unfortunate hunchback.

”Antonio--Ferdinand--both Bernals--brothers?” asked Mrs. Trent, in a tremulous voice.

”Si. Yes, indeed. In truth.”

”And all this time n.o.body knew or suspected it?”

”Senorita, the master knew. That was part of his great goodness to the wicked one who would ruin him if he could. 'Ware Antonio--'ware Ferd.

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