Juan waded out and picked up his straw sandals.
“Get a move on!” the man urged.
Shocked by the man’s angry attack, the Brownies quickly followed the Mexican boy from the water.
“No, I didn’t mean you girls,” he said in a quieter voice. “You may stay if you like.”
“But you just now told Juan to leave—” Veve began in bewilderment.
“He’s a Mexican.”
Juan drew himself up proudly. “Si, Senor, I am a Mexican and proud of it,” he announced. “I have as much right here as anyone else.”
“We’ll see about that!” said the land owner, starting toward him. “You’ll leave or I’ll turn you over to the sheriff.”
Juan grabbed his straw sandals and hobbled off over the sharp pebbles.
But as he disappeared among the trees, he hurled a threat over his shoulder.