Mendoza handed the letter to Rivera.
Although he had no connection with the financial administration of La Independencia, Rivera had for some time been conversant with the monetary difficulties with which the journal was struggling. After reading the letter carefully, he said, looking up:—
"Well, what now?"
"Well, as you can imagine, I cannot undertake this commission, because I do not go out of doors...."
"And so you want me to fill the gap, do you?"
Mendoza was silent, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground.
"Well then, my friend," said the brigadier's son in a determined voice, "I am sorry to tell you that I will not undertake to ask money or guarantees of money from any one."
Both were silent for some time after these words. At last Mendoza, without lifting his eyes from the floor, and evidently disturbed, began to speak:—
"I believe that if you were willing, the matter might be arranged without asking money of any one.... Eguiburu will be satisfied if only your name is endorsed, and he will furnish all that is necessary each month...."
Miguel looked at him keenly, while the other stood still with downcast eyes; then he said, with a laugh:—