“Retty, father means mischief. He has a ‘black snake,’ and trembles with rage as if he had the ague.”
“Poor father, how unfortunate it is that he got into such a wrong train of reasoning,” Jane said.
“He is bound to keep wrong as long as he permits such men to influence him. I am ashamed of father,” Lucy added.
“No, don't say that,” Jane begged.
“But I am,” Lucy maintained; “very much ashamed.”
“And I also—bitterly ashamed,” Everett said.
The old gentleman at last succeeded in fastening his spurs and getting on his horse. He trotted off to meet the Don. Everett and Webster went down stairs. Webster had saddled two horses; he was not going to let Everett go alone, when he might need help. So the two boys followed their father at a short distance.
Lucy and Jane went to Clarence's room, from which they had a better view of that part of the valley through which passed the main road, in front of the Alamar house. They saw their father take the main road. The Don was coming slowly with his two sons, watching the vaqueros driving the cattle up the hill.
“Mamma, see father going to meet the Don. What does he mean?” exclaimed Alice, alarmed.
Mrs. Darrell went to the window, and both sat there to watch proceedings.