Note 31 — Chapter XVI · PERNÁLES

Pernales was born at Estepa, province of Sevilla, September 3, 1878, a ne’er-do-weel son of honest, rural parents. By 1906 he had become notorious as a determined criminal. His appearance and Machiavellian instincts were interpreted as indicating great personal courage, and, united with his physique, combined to present a repulsive and menacing figure. A huge head set on broad chest and shoulders, with red hair and deep-set blue eyes, a livid freckled complexion, thin eyebrows, and one long tusk always visible, protruding from a horrid mouth, made up a sufficiently characteristic ensemble.