José — page 118: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

JOSE. 111 around them. All American settlements have had the same obstacles to overcome.” The old man merely shrugged his shoulders. “Very well, we will not quarrel about it,” con- tinued the other. “I have told you my plan, and you will know what detains me in the East for the next three months. : “TI shall leave, to-morrow, going first to Santa Fe to send back some men to fit up the rooms ina manner suitable for a civilized being. I conceive it to be my duty to set an example to the prospective population of the valley by founding a family. When my friend and myself return we will be ac- companied by his daughter, a young lady of culture and refinement. You will oblige me by selecting one of our nicest girls to act as maid. Shecan assist Hattie in the management of the house till my return. You, my dear friend, will continue in charge of the estate, and I trust you will be as faith- ful to me as you were to my father.” He offered his hand to the overseer, who accepted it slowly. “T shall do my duty, sir,” he said, “but whether my old head will be of service to you under such changed circumstances or not, I shall leave for you to decide.” With that the conversation ended, and early the following morning young McGregor and his friend departed. Three months passed away before the two men, and a very pretty young lady, arrived at the fort. The master’s instructions regarding the furnishings of the rooms had been carried out in every particu- lar. The walls of three of the rooms had been stained in a delicate color, the floor covered with Eomichboo <) (E(0)