The boatman was sullen about the failure of his trick, until Mr. Robinson, who was an experienced traveler, slipped him a coin, which must have been large enough to make up for the disappointment, for the man murmured: "Muchas gracias!" and fell to with a will to help the travelers get their belongings into a carriage.
"What did he say to papa?" asked Bess, of Inez.
"Many thanks," translated the Spanish girl.
"I must practice that!" spoke Jack. "What else do you say in this country, Inez?"
"Oh, many zings, Senor," and she blushed prettily. "It all depends on what you want. But many here speak ze English as you do. Zere is little trouble."
"What would I do if I wanted a glass of ice cream soda water?" asked
Walter. "And I feel like one now."
"Zere is not so much of your ice-cream soda here," went on Inez, "but ozer drinks are of a goodness. Cocoanut milk is much nice. If in a store you go, say 'Quiero' (ke-a-ro), which means 'I want.' And zen name zat which you desire. You will of a soon learn ze Spanish for many zings."
"And how shall we know what to pay?" asked Bess.
"Say 'Cuanto?'" directed Inez. "Cuanto (koo-ahn-to) means 'how much,' and the man will soon tell you—if, indeed, he does not tell you too much. But you will soon learn."
"I have a better way than all this cuanto and piero business," spoke
Walter.