t a neat
little _rancheria_--do you know of any one who might care to look after
it?"

"Bah! First pay your gambling debts, Juan Ramon. There will then be time
enough to look for some one who will allow herself to be beaten on
feast-days when you have drunk more _pulque_ than is good for you. But
_Dios!_ why am I wasting words with you? The Senoritas will begin to
wonder what has become of their chocolate and _tortillas_ if I don't
hurry."

"Ungrateful woman," responded Juan, assuming an injured tone. "Would you
leave me without a kiss?"

"Holy Mother! what has come over you, Juan Ramon--has the sunshine gone
to your head? A kiss, indeed!" and she tossed her head. "Go to
Petronita, the cook! She is old; doubtless she will give you a plenty!"
and laughing, she hurried into the dining-room in search of a tray with
which to serve the ladies. The mere mention of the ancient, withered
Petronita, with the parchment-like face, caused Juan's mouth to pucker
as though he had bitten into an unripe persimmon.

"_Diablos!_ if the luck would only change!" he muttered. "Rosita would
be the very one--" The sound of light footsteps and the tinkle of spurs
caused Juan to turn.

"Ah! _buenas dias_, Senorita!" he exclaimed, lifting his hat and bowing
before Chiquita, who had entered the _patio_ from the opposite side of
the house. Her riding-habit, her boots and gloves and gray felt hat
beneath which were twisted her thick braids of hair, were covered with
thin white particles of dust.

"Where is your mistress, Dona Fernandez, Juan?" she asked.

"I will call her, Senorita," answered Juan, replacing his hat on his
head and starting for the hallway.

"Never mind, Juan," called Chiquita, catching sight of Blanch and Bessie
in the distance. "I will first speak with the Senoritas," and she turned
toward the garden.

Juan's beady black eyes followed her tall figure as she moved toward the
girls. Ever since the arrival of the Americans there had been much
discussion in the household as to which was the more beautiful, Blanch
or Chiquita. The Senora's dislike for the latter was well known, but in
spite of this prejudice, opinion was pretty evenly divided concerning
the merits of the two. It was a vexing question, and the opportunity of
comparing the two women as they met in the garden was too tempting to
be missed. So, with one end of his _zerape_ slung carelessly over his
shoulder, Juan strolled casually past the little group of wome