“Ten thousand pardons, Señor Juez [Judge], I have known that forever. Si.”
“Hm-m. There she comes; and I leave it to you, Señor Vives, to convey to her family my acknowledgment of her services. If in any way I can serve her or them, they have but to command me.”
The Judge had a better understanding of human than equine nature. He knew that he could not have found a messenger more delighted to carry messages of courtesy than old Sutro, nor one who would do so more gracefully. He knew, also, that his cordial gratitude would be shorn of nothing, but rather embellished, by its passage over the caballero’s lips.
“At thy feet, señor. Thy appreciation of our so beloved one will give pleasure to our household. I have the honor to salute thee; and—Service? Ten thousand pardons—but there is a way in which—at thy leisure—”
Again the Judge pulled out his watch, “You have but to name, as I said. To-morrow, during the children’s study-hour, I will be pleased to hear your suggestions.”
“Thanks. Thanks. The service old Sutro claims is for our ‘Little Lady of the Horse,’—not for himself. Mañana, then; and Adios!”
Five minutes later, Steenie, mounted upon her Tito, and with her caballero walking proudly by her side, paced slowly out of the Judge’s grounds. “It has been a good, good day, my Sutro! Such a happiness! You will be happy too, is it not? And what do you think, besides? That kind, splendid gentleman says that he has a pretty, black horse, whom nobody uses much, that shall be loaned to you whenever we wish for a long ride. Then you will not have to go hobblety-bob on those poor worn-out livery hacks. Are you not glad?”
“Glad. En verdad. But of more yet, mi niña. Old Sutro has something in his head besides nonsense, no? Listen. He offered service—and there is a way, in verity. I told him. Mañana—he will do it, and Sutro’s heart will be at peace. Thou wilt then have money—more than thou canst ever use. It is so. I tell thee.”
“Su-tro-Vi-ves! What—have you done? Have you asked that gentleman for money? Do you need it? Why not ask my father, then? Oh, Sutro!”
“Tente [hold on]! Thou leapest to a blunder as Tito does over a hurdle. I have asked no man for money, I. Why not? Because, in all California, there is no man who has more of it than I. And what I have I will give to thee. Thou art to be my heredera [heiress], thou. After Sutro Vives thou wilt inherit.”