CHAPTER XVI
THE BOYS PUT ON STYLE
"You do not know my ability to spend," said Jim, "I may have to plunge to the extent of several hundred dollars. You see my brother has very expensive tastes. It will cost quite a small fortune when I buy him a complete trousseau including diamonds."
"I will pledge my lands if necessary to get the young Senor diamonds," said the Spaniard laughingly.
In about an hour's time they came to a large one story frame building painted a rather light blue, which color had weathered a good deal. It had a square, false front with a sign on it that read, "Mr. Gonsalves, General Trader."
They hitched their horses to some well graveled posts, and went inside leaving Jo's and Tom's horses free to graze at will around, or to stand under the shelter of some drooping pepper tree across the road. The proprietor, a short, thick-set Portugee with a close trimmed black beard, and a gray slouch hat which he always wore, apparently, received them graciously. The contents of the store were entirely at their service,—if they paid for them.
"We will miss poor Tom here," said Jo, "he was always our purchasing agent."
"And a mighty good one," added Jim. "Not even a Connecticut Yankee could get the best of him in a bargain."