Gilbert had stood still during this tirade. "I've tried to explain—" he began once more.
"Bah!" cried Lopez. "Zen I take her!"
At last the American was roused. "You take her!" he cried.
"Sure! All day I 'ave want 'er. Ees ze first time in my life when I want woman all day and not—as favor I give 'er to you. Now, since you too big damn fool not to take 'er yourself, I take 'er myself. And what you know about 'im?" He paused, and called out, "Pedro!"
Fearful at what might happen, Gilbert said, "Wait a minute." He thought swiftly. "You mean this?"
Lopez did not even answer him, so deep and abiding was his disgust. Instead, he said to his man, "Pedro, we go."
Gilbert watched his every motion. "You mean it?" he repeated.
Lopez laughed. "Everybody sink I am joker to-day. Pedro, take 'er," and nodded toward the terrified Lucia.
Pedro started to obey.
"I'm damned if you do!" cried Gilbert. "All day you've been trying to make me do things your way. I've had enough. This Mexican stuff may be all right in your country, but it won't go here!"