Лучшие романы Томаса Майна Рида / The Best of Thomas Mayne Reid

What was least to be expected in such a place, was a shelf containing about a score of books, with pens, ink, and papeterie[76 - papeterie – a set of writing materials (French)]; also a newspaper lying upon the slab table.

Further proofs of civilisation, if not refinement, presented themselves in the shape of a large leathern portmanteau[77 - portmanteau – a suitcase consisting of two parts that fold together], a double-barrelled gun, with “Westley Richards” upon the breech; a drinking cup of chased silver, a huntsman’s horn, and a dog-call.

Upon the floor were a few culinary utensils, mostly of tin; while in one corner stood a demijohn[78 - demijohn – a large glass wine bottle], covered with wicker, and evidently containing something stronger than the water of the Alamo.

Other “chattels” in the cabin were perhaps more in keeping with the place. There was a high-peaked Mexican saddle; a bridle, with headstall of plaited horsehair, and reins to correspond; two or three spare serapes, and some odds and ends of raw-hide rope.

Such was the structure of the mustanger’s dwelling – such its surroundings – such its interior and contents, with the exception of its living occupants – two in number.

On one of the stools standing in the centre of the floor was seated aВ man, who could not be the mustanger himself. In no way did he present the semblance of aВ proprietor.

On the contrary, the air of the servitor – the mien of habitual obedience – was impressed upon him beyond the chance of misconstruction.

Rude as was the cabin that sheltered him, no one entering under its roof would have mistaken him for its master.

Not that he appeared ill clad or fed, or in any way stinted in his requirements. He was a round plump specimen, with a shock of carrot-coloured hair and a bright ruddy skin, habited in a suit of stout stuff – half corduroy[79 - corduroy – a durable fabric, used for breeches, coats, jackets and trousers], half cotton-velvet.

The corduroy was in the shape of aВ pair of knee-breeches, with gaiters to correspond; the velveteen, once bottle green, now faded to aВ brownish hue, exhibited itself in aВ sort of shooting coat, with ample pockets in the breast and skirts.