Before all the people, and women, and ninos--and besides, I do not wish that Jose should--" There again he checked himself, and Jack's lips twitched at the meaning he read into the break.
"But if there should be an accident ?" Jack's eyes probed for the soul of the old man; the real soul of the Spanish grandee under the broad-minded, easy-natured, Californian gentleman.

He probed, and he thought he found what he was seeking; he thought it showed for just an instant in his eyes and in the upward lift of his white mustache.
"An accident would be deplorable, Senor," he said.

"We will hope that there will be no accident.

Still, Jose is a very devil when the riata is hissing over his head, and he rides recklessly.

Senor, permit me to warn you that Jose is a demon in the saddle.