"Caramba! That is a tough job."
"We purpose hiring peons to drive the animals."
"But if you could find a purchaser here?"
"I should prefer it."
"Well, I want cattle: most of mine have been stolen by the Apaches—those infernal plunderers! If you consent we will strike a bargain. Your herd suits me. My mayordomo has seen it, and I will buy it in the lump."
"I wish nothing better."
"We say seven hundred and seventy head, I think?"
"Yes."
"At twenty-five piastres apiece: that makes 19,250 piastres, if I am not mistaken. Does that suit you?"
"No, general," Valentine replied firmly.