... And then give her a beating
and leave her soft as mush. The next day she'd be following you around
like a dog."
Leandro, as brave as any bully, was as meek as a charity-pupil in the
presence of his sweetheart. At times he recalled his father's counsel,
but he would never have summoned the courage to carry it through.
One Saturday afternoon, after a bitter dispute with Milagros, Leandro
invited Manuel to make the rounds that night together with him.
"Where'll we go?" asked Manuel.
"To the Naranjeros cafe, or to the Engrima restaurant."
"Wherever you please."
"We'll make the rounds of those dives and then we'll wind up at La
Blasa's tavern."
"Do the hard guys go there?"
"I should say. As tough as you make 'em."
"Then I'll let Roberto know,--that fellow who came for me to take him
to la Doctrina."
"All right."
After work Manuel went off to the boardingrhouse and took counsel with
Roberto.
"Be at the San Millan cafe about nine in the evening," said Roberto,
"I'll be there with a cousin of mine."
"Are you going to take her there?" Manuel asked in astonishment.
"Yes. She's a queer one, a painter."
"And is this painter good-looking?" asked Leandro.
"I can't say. I don't know her."
"Damn my sweet---- ... ! I'd give anything to have this woman come
along, man.
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