“I salute the professor,” interrupted Don Alvarzo, bowing to the naturalist.
“Well, we are going to make a trip through Mexico,” went on Jerry. “We engaged this man,” pointing to the ferrymaster, “to take us over the river in his boat. Unfortunately we crashed into yours. It was not our fault.”
Angry cries from the Mexicans who stood in a half circle about Don Alvarzo on the deck of the house-boat showed that they understood this talk, but did not approve of it.
“Americanos pigs! Make pay!” called out one man.
“We’re not pigs, and if this accident is our fault we will pay at once,” said Jerry, hotly.
“There, there, señor,” said the Don, motioning to his man to be quiet. “We will consider this. It appears that you are merely passengers on the ferryboat. The craft was in charge of Señor Jenkins, there, whom I very well know. He will pay me for the damage, I am sure.”
“You never made a bigger mistake in your life!” exclaimed Jenkins. “If there’s any payin’ to be done, these here automobile fellers will have to do it. I’m out of pocket now with chargin’ ’em only ten dollars, for three of my oars are lost.”
“Very well, then, we will let the law take its course,” said the Don. “Here!” he called to his men, “take the ferry captain into custody. We’ll see who is to pay.”
“Rather than have trouble and delay we would be willing to settle for the damages,” spoke up Jerry. “How much is it?”