"This is a fine day—by goodness, yes!" he announced. "Have you attended the señorita with diligence, Luz?"
"As I would the Donna Isabella herself," declared the Indian handmaid.
"You may bring my coffee here. We will talk."
It seemed it was a coffee-making machine he desired. He was very particular about his coffee, was Don Abreguardo—liked it black and thick and drank it without sugar or cream.
While the coffee dripped he said, bowing to Janice:
"I have read the letter from my very good friend, Don José Pez, which you so kindly gave me last night, señorita. He tells me you have need of haste in making your way to Los Companos District?"
"It is true, sir," Janice said eagerly. "My father was wounded quite three weeks ago. So we heard. Since then we have not learned a thing about him."
"He is at one mine beyond San Cristoval?"
"The Alderdice. He has been chief man there for more than three years."
"Sí, sí! I understand," said Señor Abreguardo. "There has been trouble in that vicinity, it is true. But it seems things always quiet down—even the worst."