"Oh, yes, they do, and very much. They lose a great deal of money that way. But from the whites they have learned it, I believe."
Walter did not know what reply to make to this assertion, doubtless a true one. They walked at a quick pace till they reached the ruined adobe, Francisco's home, behind which stood the wagon—three or four long, unplaned boards set on four wheels. The horse was grazing some distance away.
"I will catch Rosinante," said Francisco, taking an armful of hay from a pile.
"If you are thirsty there is, inside, a clean cup, and there at the other end, by the tree, an otla with water."
Walter felt quite thirsty. Moreover, he was somewhat curious to see the inside of a genuine Indian dwelling. It seemed very dark to him, coming out of the hot, bright sunshine. There was a window facing the door, but every pane of glass was gone. The sill was so wide as to form a very comfortable seat. The thick walls and smooth earthen floor made the place feel very cool. The room contained very little furniture—two cots, one at either end; in the middle a table, with clean plates, cups and saucers; also a couple of boxes and a pair of broken chairs. The house was almost roofless, save for the withered boughs which had been laid across the broad, irregular openings. Nothing could have been more humble; yet everything was clean and orderly.
Francisco came with Rosinante as Walter was replacing the cup.
"That is very good water," he said.
"The same as you will have to drink," replied Francisco. "See, here is your barrel. I thought it better to take but one. I can change twice a week. Now I will harness Rosinante."
This was soon done; the barrel was placed on the wagon and fastened with a couple of thongs. Walter took his place beside Francisco, and they rattled away, down the hill. Nellie was on the watch; when they reached the tent Francisco and Walter got off and told her to take their place, saying they would drive her up the hill, but that she would have to walk down. "The full barrel of water is quite enough for Rosinante, Francisco says," explained Walter. "Besides, if the thongs that tie the barrel to the wagon should break, it might fall over on you and kill you."