THE DESERT AND THE ROSE 83 



objection to the noise of "kids" in its place, but it 

 is peculiarly out of place in the hush of evening 

 characteristic of our Land of Mystery. 



And now to tell of the solitary instance of Juan 

 coming near to losing his temper with me; because 

 he has been in my employ a long time he begins to 

 believe he may control certain matters, after the 

 manner of faithful servitors. But Ricardo has al- 

 so worked long for me — the half Yaqui boy of the 

 cameo-like profile, whose mother is of the breed of 

 whom it has been said that one such Indian is equal 

 to three Mexicans. Ricardo's (Mexican) attacks 

 of poco tiempo are outweighed by his excellent men- 

 tal equipment and, most surprising trait of all, de- 

 votion to animals. The father of Ricardo is a little 

 sawed-off Mexican peon of limited brain power. 



One afternoon arrived Juan on my stage, very 

 evidently "seeing red". 



"Senora, that boy must go this night ! By morn- 

 ing I will find you a better boy." 



"What is the trouble, Juan?" 



"He meets Jesuscita at the pump !" 



Jesuscita is Juan's thirteen year old daughter in 

 short frocks and pigtail, who is already considered 

 too old to travel to town unless accompanied by one 

 or both parents. Also she is comely. By chance I 

 had witnessed that brief primal meeting at the 

 pump, a piece of noonday innocence; for Ricardo 

 lives on his father's ranch. 



"And what of that, Juan! Ricardo lifts his som- 

 brero to a prettv child and wishes her a respectful 

 Good Day." 



