But, as he told himself, twisting his shoulders irritably, there was something about this old Spaniard which got on his nerves.  A quality of composed patience, as if he, at least, never doubted the successful outcome of his plans; a rock-like imperturbability against which violence or vituperation shattered itself and fell harmless.

“Look here, Gallito,” again he adopted a conciliatory manner, leaning his elbows on the table, as if prepared for a long discussion, after first helping himself to another glass of cognac and a fresh cigarette, “what’s the use of a row, anyway?  Now, why can’t we come to some agreement.  What you say about your daughter’s abilities is all true, every word of it.  That’s the reason I’m so keen to get her.  I know, and I’m frank enough to confess it, that out here in the desert, with not much to think about, on a vacation, and all, why—­I kind of lost my head about her.  She’s a beautiful woman, Gallito, no need to tell you that.  But you know, and I know, that a man can always shut down on that sort of thing if he’s got to.  My reputation ain’t what it ought to be, no one knows that better than I, or feels it more; but, honest to God, Gallito, I ain’t as black as I’ve been painted.  No man is, probably.  Now, what I got to say is this—­”

“No need to say it, Mr. Hanson,” interrupted Gallito, who had been twisting his mouth wryly during these remarks.

Again Hanson concealed his rising anger, although the color rose in his cheeks.  “Now just let me talk a minute, Gallito.”  He spread out his hands placatingly.  “The proposition I’m going to make you is this:  Miss Gallito tells me that her mother traveled with her when she was younger, and even now, when she can spare the time from her farming, she goes out on the road with the young lady.  Now, why not have a purely business arrangement.  Let Miss Pearl sign up with me, and then we’ll coax her mother to go with her.  I should think that would satisfy you.  It ought to satisfy any one, for a girl’s mother to go with her.”

“Of course,” the Spaniard bowed with stately courtesy, but not before had his smile been so sardonic.  “As you say, every one should be satisfied with such an arrangement and, let me say, it is one that would greatly please me, but as I told you before, Mr. Hanson, it cannot be.  My daughter must keep her contract with Sweeney.”

At white heat, Hanson rose and pushed back his chair.  “Hell!” he cried.  “What am I up against, anyway!  Give some people the earth and it wouldn’t suit ’em.  But you can take this from me, Gallito,” he leaned forward and pounded his fist on the table, “I don’t take my answer from you.  We’ll see what the Black Pearl has got to say.  The Black Pearl smirched by going out with me!” He laughed aloud.

He fell back frightened as Gallito half rose from his chair, and then, to his unbounded surprise, the Spaniard sat down again and softly rubbed his hands together.  Hanson had a fleeting and most disturbing impression of the old man gloating over some secret and pleasant prospect.