Hot air!" He had his private library, vastly more important and glorious, and occupying less space.

In his desk, adorned with guns, thongs, and chaps studded with silver, was a little compartment containing deeds and various legal documents which the ranchman surveyed with great pride.
"Pay attention, now and hear marvellous things," announced the master to Desnoyers, as he took out one of his memorandum books.
This volume contained the pedigree of the famous animals which had improved his breeds of stock, the genealogical trees, the patents of nobility of his aristocratic beasts.

He would have to read its contents to him since he did not permit even his family to touch these records.
And with his spectacles on the end of his nose, he would spell out the credentials of each animal celebrity.

"Diamond III, grandson of Diamond I, owned by the King of England, son of Diamond II, winner in the races." His Diamond had cost him many thousands, but the finest horses on the ranch, those which brought the most marvellous prices, were his descendants.
"That horse had more sense than most people.

He only lacked the power to talk.