"And what are you doing here? More onions?" laughed his friend.
John blushed and looked down at the carpet. They had a carpet at the Governor's house—though in her heart Concha always wants to have it up when any one comes in lest they should tread upon it.
"No," he said slowly, "the fact is I think you spoiled me a bit for staying at home, mill hours—and that sort of thing. So now I am to be foreign agent and buyer. I've been taking lessons in the language, and if you can put any business in my way, I shall be glad."
Rollo took him to the window by the arm.
"Do you see those fellows?" he demanded.
As he spoke he pointed to a detail of the wiry little Valencian soldiers in their white undress blouses and bragas.
"Now, John," he went on, "I can't get stuff here that won't tear the first time they do the goose-step or even sneeze extra hard. The contractors are thieves every man Jack. What can you do for me? I have twenty thousand of these fellows and lots more coming on, down in the huertas and rice fields!"
"Heavens!" cried John Mortimer, "this is an order indeed. Wait! I will let you know my best possible in a moment!"
And he pulled out a notebook crammed with figures.
"I can give you very good terms indeed," he said after a moment.