"There is one way, Señor de Rivera," he suggested timidly, "by which you can get out of the difficulty in which you find yourself, and still have time to obtain from the count and the other friends the fulfilment of their obligations.... If you will guarantee me the money which I have since spent on the newspaper, I shall be perfectly willing to wait.... I am sorry to put the pistol to the heart of a person for whom I have so high a regard, but...."
Miguel remained motionless, with his eyes cast down, and thinking deeply; then suddenly standing up, he said:—
"Well, we will see how this affair turns out. I will speak to-morrow with Mendoza, and immediately let you know the result of my interview, and of my letter to the count."
Eguiburu likewise arose, and with exquisite amiability offered Rivera his hand in farewell. Miguel shook hands, and looking at him keenly, while a derisive smile hovered over his lips, he said:—
"Are you very anxious for those thirty thousand duros?"
"Why do you ask me?"
"Because I should be grieved if you were very much set upon them, while on the eve of losing them forever."
"Explain yourself!" said the banker, growing serious.
"Nothing, man; but if I should not get the money from the Conde de Ríos, what I have...."
"Hey! What is that you say?"