But the canawl contract don't pay like
niggers; my folks must hold their heads up in the world; Sam Ogg won't
let me keep out of temptation."
"Do you fear me, Devil Jim?"
"Hya! spitch! No. If all in the trade was like you, I could sleep in
trust. If you go out of it, so will I."
"Then to-night, _penitente!_ we make our few thousand and quit. Give up
your cards and I my _doncellitas_, and we can at least live."
They shook hands and drank another glass, and then Van Dorn said:
"Send up to me, _hermano!_ the lad who will reply to the name of Levin.
With him I would speak while you give the directions! Poor coward!" Van
Dorn said, after his host had descended the stairs, "he can never be
less than a thief with that irksomeness under such fair competence."
At that moment a beautiful maid or woman, in her white night-robe, stood
in the little doorway, with eyes so like the richness of his just gone
that it must have been his daughter. She fled as she recognized a
stranger, and Van Dorn pursued till a door was closed in his face.
"Poor fool!" he said, sinking into his chair again; "I will never be
more honest than any woman can make me!"
As Levin entered the little hallway Van Dorn smiled:
"Here is a glass of real wine to inspire you, _junco_."
"No, Captain. I would rather die than drink it."
"Do you repent coming with me?"
"Oh, bitterly, Captain. I don't want to steal poor, helpless people if
they is black.
Pages:
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501