"But that makes no difference," he went on. "Jed isn't here. It's meal time, and if you men want to eat I'll build a big enough dinner."
Rhues laughed, and the mockery in his tone was of the kind that makes the biggest of men forget they can be above insult.
"We didn't come here to eat," he said. "We come up to see a horse we heerd about—th' Captain. We heerd Jed caught him."
VB started. The thought of Rhues inspecting the stallion, commenting on him, admiring him, was as repulsive to Young VB as would be the thought to a lover of a vile human commenting vulgarly on the sacred body of the woman of women.
The Mexican strolled out of the house as VB, turning to the stove, tried to ignore the explanation of their presence. He walked on toward the ponies. A dozen steps from the house he stopped, and called:
"Por Dios, hombre!"
Rhues and the other followed him, and VB saw them stand together, staring in amazement at the Captain. Then they moved toward the great horse, talking to one another and laughing.
VB followed, with a feeling of indignation. The trio advanced, quickening their pace.
"Hold on!" he cried in sudden alarm. "Don't go too near; he's dangerous!"
Already the Captain had flattened his ears, and as VB ran out he could see the nose wrinkling, the lips drawing back.