Derrick was awakened the next morning by a servant-man who brought him a cup of fragrant coffee and the accompanying cigarette.

Derrick dressed quickly and went in search of Don Jose, to get some information which would enable the newly-appointed engineer to set about his duties; on the way, he met the major-domo, and inquired after Donna Elvira.

The man said that her Excellency's maid had told him that her mistress had spent a bad night and was now trying to get some sleep.

The major-domo was extremely respectful in his manner towards Derrick, and Don Jose, when Derrick met him in the patio, greeted him with marked consideration.
In response to Derrick's inquiries, Don Jose shrugged his shoulders and, twisting his lips into a smile, intimated that, so far as he was concerned, Derrick was free to do, or not to do, anything he pleased; but he led the young man to a shed which he designated as the machine room, and opening the door, with a wave of his hand, presented to Derrick's view a mass of machinery very much out of date and in exceedingly bad order, and intimating, with another shrug and wave, that Derrick was free of the concern, walked off.

Derrick strolled round the antiquated engine and rusty pump and chaff-cutters, then took off his coat, turned up his sleeves and proceeded to make a detailed examination; wondering why the worn boiler had not burst and blown the whole kit, and anyone who happened to be near, into smithereens.
It was some time since he had had the handling of machinery, and, for several hours, he enjoyed himself thoroughly, emerging at lunch-time, very hot, and as grimy and soot-laden as a chimney sweep.