"What's the matter, muchacho?" asked Don Blas.
"The deuce!" cried Juanito, sharply; "you called me away at the very moment I was going to receive a dragoon's helmet for my shako; and who do you think would be pleased with that?"
"Request the huesped to come here," said Don Blas, affecting not to perceive the rough reply of the soldier.
Juanito wheeled half round, and went out without saying a word.
"That is a man devoted to my interests, and I overlook the liberties he takes in consideration of his devotion," remarked the lieutenant, by way of apology; "devotedness is such a rare thing in this world."
The host was not long in appearing, and I immediately explained to him the position in which the lieutenant stood. The huesped was a man of Herculean proportions, with broad shoulders and a florid complexion. He sported a formidable pair of mustaches curled up at the ends. In a word, he had quite the appearance of a valento (bully) of the first class.
"How much do I owe you?" inquired Don Blas; "for it is always a pleasure to me to pay my debts."
"The fact is, if the rarity of the pleasure doubles the value of it, the payment of a debt ought to be a perfect treat to you," replied the host: "you owe me fifteen piastres and a half."
"Fifteen piastres and a half!" cried the lieutenant, jumping up hurriedly; "demonio!"
And, handing the colonel the ounce of gold that he had newly received from me, he received in return change to the amount of four reals.