Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1940-09-05
CHAPTER vI-Continued

"You must have dry clothing"
Francisco insisted despite Bowie's
protests. "You are my guest. ! am
now what you call the boss; you
must let me be your servant. My
clothes are not big enough. But
my uncle, he is big one, like you.
Wait"
An Indian boy was dispatched with
a message to Don Ramon. He was
soon back, bringing coat, two
shirts, trousers, stockings and boots
for Bowie.
In vain the Texan protested. Don
Francisco had persuasive wayne
laughed away one objection after
another with so much good-natured
banter that Bowie found himself clad
in Californian accouterments of the
head of the house, walking into the
big living room where he met the
Estradas.
Don Francisco introduced his new
acquaintance to his uncle and to
his aunt, Dona Maria.
But the uncle, Don Ramon, and
the Dona, his wife, called for partic-
ular attention at the hands of their
guest. Except for the youthful neph-
ew, Don Ramon Estrada was the
first real Spanish gentleman that the
Texan had met.
While there was nothing of haugh-
tiness in Don Ramcn, there was
something that called for considera-
ton and respect. His mere pres
ence made itself felt, presenting as
it did certain graciousness of man.
ner tempered by dignity and re-
serve that put his guest at ease
with mute assurance of welcome.
When Bowie had met his host and
hostess he felt already at ease, so
exquisite was the kindly welcome
until he was presented by Don Fran
cisco, with due formality, to young
lady who now entered the room was
the gaunt Texan conscious of feel
ing of his own awkwardness and ILL
fitting apparel. She was Senorita
Carmen, of the rancho, cousin to
Don Francisco
The young Spaniard did the in
terpreting and much of the talking.
Host and hostess extended repeated
Spanish greetings to Bowie which
Don Francisco translated. The
young lady was wholly silent, save
that when spoken to by her cousin
she responded clearly and compos-
edly.
Dinner was announced. Dona
Maria was seated at her husbands
right hand, and Bowie was given the
place of honor on his left. Next to
him sat Don Francisco; seated be-
low Dona Maria was Senorita Car
men. AS she sat opposite the Texan
she made good use Of her eyes, yet
so skillfully that he was never aware
of her inspection.
Don Ramon, as the beef, mutton
and fowl in bewildering abundance
were served in formal turn, asked
many questions of his stranger guest
questions about Texas; about the
differences of the Americans with
the Mexican government; then as
to what brought Bowie to California.
This drew only vague generaliza-
tions from the Texan. The Don
switched next to what lay immedi-
ately ahead; what Bowie had in
mind to do.
Gas to that, senor," responded
Bowie frankly, II hardly have any
plans. I find myself here on the
coast with two scout companions.
Soon we are going up the river, to
Suffers Fort. Our principal occu-
patton in the interval must be to
find something to eat.'
Don Ramon laughed. "Truly i'm
portant."
$50 we are heading upcountry aft
er game to sell in Monterey. There
is good demand, / am told, from
the ships for venison and elk.
"But with the thousands of head
of cattle everywhere available to
furnish beef supply?" objected the
Don.
Bowie smiled as this was trans
lated. ''The beef of the range cat
tie is no competition for the meat Of
the deer and the elk, certainly not
with the officers, nor even with the
hungry sailors"
"And what is your equipment for
the undertaking."
"Our rifles, senor."
The amiable Don was astonished.
Nothing seems to appall you-your
undertaking would, of certainty.
give me pause. And you need moth
ing?"