“No man can be rich,” continued Juan, “by staying at home. We are students, and our studies should meet with some recompense. Will you do as I bid you?”
“Yes!” cried all his poor companions; “so long as you lead us not to the gallows, for we like not such playthings.”
“Well, then, follow me,” said Juan; “and when you see me release a prize that belongs to him who shall be bold enough to seize it, off with it to the market, and dispose of it at the best possible price.”
“Done, and agreed to,” shouted all, “if you will but seize the prize!”
“Leave that to me,” said the poor student, “and I will hand you a prize fully worth twenty dollars without his garments.”
“But, surely, you are not going to hand some man or woman over to us?” inquired they.
“Ask me no questions, as the Archbishop of Compostella said to the pretty widow, and I will be honest with you. The prize I shall hand you will fetch money in the market, and we sell not human beings in this country,” urged Juan.
“That is right,” they exclaimed; “and we will follow you.”
The students followed Juan on to the high-road leading from the city to Ourense; and when they had walked for about two hours’ time Juan told his companions to get behind the hedge and await results.
Soon after, the jingling of bells was heard, and a muleteer seated cross-legged on a mule, which preceded five others, was seen approaching.