"Lady, people don't need be 'fraid of Injuns. My employer's all right—good man. Injuns say much, then I fight 'em. Cap'n fight 'em—fight 'em like the devil."
He balled his right hand and doubled the arm, then patted the corded muscles approvingly with the fingers of his left. Finally he shook his fist in the direction of the inner cave while his face assumed a mock-ferocious expression.
"I suppose he is threatening his kind master. I'll have my peons beat him soundly in the morning, if the master wishes. Fellow, begone! or I'll call the one who owns you."
"Mamita, you mistake. The man is saying not to fear the Indians; that he and his Captain will protect us."
"Fear the Indians! Well, I should say not! Besides, there are no Indians here to fear, except that wretched Luis who drove my horses, and he has a broken shoulder, the scoundrel! If you understand this creature, child, tell him to be about his business before his master learns of his annoying us."
"Old lady's scared, hey? Scared out of her wits. Well, I reckon——"
"She is not frightened, but I was a while ago when two Indians were here and crept into the darkness, after conducting themselves in the most mysterious way." The doña spoke in excellent English.
Extreme astonishment spread over Brown's features. Then he looked as if his confidence had been painfully abused.
"Well, I swanny! Well, I swanny! If this here don't beat the deuce."
It was too much for him. His hands sought his thighs again, and he looked incredulously at the girl.