Soon afterwards the Posadero came in, and a whispered communication took place between him and his spouse, which gradually acquiring tone, I at length was able to catch distinctly, and heard the following conversation.
“You are quite certain he does not understand Spanish?” said mine host.
“Not a syllable,” replied his helpmate.
“He is about no good here, wife, that I can tell you.”
“There does not appear to be much mischief in him.”
“We must not trust to looks; I was at the chapel of the Rosario just now, and he walked up there, took an instrument from his pocket, marked down all the principal points of the country, and then drew them in that little book he is now writing in ... are you quite sure he does not understand Spanish?—I observed him smile just now.”
“No tienes cuidado,”[132] replied the wife; “I have tried him on all points.”
“Depend upon it he is mapeando el pais,”[133] resumed the husband.
“I think you ought forthwith to give notice of his doings to the Justicia,” answered the lady.
“Ay, and lose a good customer by having him taken to prison!” rejoined the patriotic innkeeper; “time enough to do that in the morning after he has paid his bill; but as to the propriety of giving information wife, I agree with you perfectly.”