He went from ranch to ranch in order to show him to the copper-colored populace, like an ancient monarch presenting his heir.

Later on, when the child was able to say a few words, he entertained himself for hours at a time talking with the tot under the shade of the eucalyptus tree.

A certain mental failing was beginning to be noticed in the old man.

Although not exactly in his dotage, his aggressiveness was becoming very childish.
Even in his most affectionate moments, he used to contradict everybody, and hunt up ways of annoying his relatives.
"Come here, you false prophet," he would say to Julio.

"You are a Frenchy." The grandchild protested as though he had been insulted.