Nobody can make a fool of him!" And finally the Frenchman concluded that when his father-in-law spoke of seriousness he was referring to his strength of character.

According to the spontaneous declaration of Madariaga, he had, from the very first day that he had dealings with Desnoyers, perceived in him a nature like his own, more hard and firm perhaps, but without splurges of eccentricities.

On this account he had treated him with such extraordinary circumspection, foreseeing that a clash between the two could never be adjusted.

Their only disagreements were about the expenses established by Madariaga during his regime.

Since the son-in-law was managing the ranches, the work was costing less, and the people working more diligently;--and that, too, without yells, and without strong words and deeds, with only his presence and brief orders.
The old man was the only one defending the capricious system of a blow followed by a gift.