) Ah, my saddle and blanket hidden!
He HAS been interrupted. Some one has been watching. This freak
of my father's means something. And to-night, of all nights, the
night that Oakhurst was to disclose himself, and tell me all! What
is to be done? Hark! (DIEGO, without, singing.)
"Oh, here's your aguardiente,
Drink it down!"
Jovita. It is Diego; and, Mother of God! drunk again!
Enter SANDY, carrying pack, intoxicated; staggers to centre, and,
observing JOVITA, takes off his hat respectfully.
Jovita (shaking him by the shoulders passionately). Diego! How
dare you! And at such a time!
Sandy (with drunken solemnity). Miss Jovita, did ye ever know me
to be drunk afore at such a time?
Jovita. No.
Sandy. Zachy so. It's abnormal. And it means--the game's up.
Jovita. I do not understand. For the love of God, Diego, be
plain!
Sandy (solemnly and drunkenly). When I say your game's up, I mean
the old man knows it all. You're blowed upon. Hearken, miss.
(Seriously and soberly.) Your father knows all that I know; but,
as it wasn't my business to interfere with, I hev sorter helped
along. He knows that you meet a stranger, an American, in these
rides with me.
Jovita (passionately). Ingrate! You have not dared to tell him!
(Seizing him by the collar, and threatening him with the horsewhip.)
Sandy (rising with half-drunken, half-sober solemnity).
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