We'll be gone probably all the rest of the afternoon, and there'll be no one to show you the ditch and what's wrong with it." "Oh, I'll find out what's wrong and straighten out the trouble," the engineer replied.

"You've a spade or shovel, I suppose?
Go right ahead with your exploring expedition and don't worry about me; the ditch will be working properly when you return." "Well, if you don't really need us----" "Not in the least," was his assurance.
She still hesitated, while her look travelled from Bryant to Menocal and back again.

To the engineer that inclusive regard indicated that her mind was less concerned with the garden ditch than with a comparison of her two visitors; and with a sudden feeling of warmth about his neck Bryant admitted to himself that he presented no attractions.

He wore laced boots, soiled khaki trousers and flannel shirt, with his hat pulled over one eye against the sun; Menocal was dressed in light gray clothes, thin and cool, low white shoes, a pale pink silk shirt (trust a Mexican for colour somewhere!) a vivid rose-hued scarf, and a white cap.

To further emphasize the contrast, Bryant led a loaded horse and a gangling boy, while Charlie Menocal leaned at ease against his twin-six.