Not Tomaso, who would have convinced even Mary V of his harmlessness, but a broad-shouldered, square-faced man with squinty eyes, a constant smile, and only a slight accent.
Johnny went to the door, plainly hesitating over the common little courtesy of inviting him in.

The man dismounted, announced that he was Tomaso's brother, and then caught sight of Mary V inside and staring out at him curiously.
His manner changed a little.

Even Mary V could see that.

He stopped where he was, squinting into the cabin, smiling still.
"I come to borrow one, two matches, senor, if you have to spare," he said glibly.

"Me, I'm riding past this way, and stop for my horse to drink.
She's awful hot to-day--yes ?" Johnny gave him the matches, made what replies were needful, and stood in the doorway watching the fellow ride to the creek and afterwards proceed to eliminate himself from the landscape.