"God grant it!" said I, not thinking about the cruelty of the wish, and I emptied my purse into Perico's outstretched hand. He shut his eyes, let his head fall upon his breast, and said no more.
"Requiescat in pace!" said Fray Serapio; "the sports must be far advanced by this time. I can be of no farther use here."
We went out. After all, said I to myself in leaving the circus, this recital has been the most curious revelation I have yet got from the Zaragate. Such a confession as this is ample amends for the drafts upon my purse which this singular personage has made. Besides, this would be the last lesson the lépero would ever give me; and, with this thought in my mind, I could not help pitying the poor wretch. I was wrong, however, as will be seen in the sequel, in thinking that I would have no more dealings with my master Perico.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Sagrario, the part in a church where the host is kept.
[2] A journal, "Siglio XIX." of the 11th November, 1845, contains in its columns a petition addressed to the Ayuntamiento upon the subject of certain thieves, who, not content with the evening, had chosen midday for the exercise of their calling. The petition and answer of the municipal council are alike curious.
[3] Zaragate, a rogue of the most dangerous kind.
[4] A blanket of common wool, differing in that respect only from the serape.
[5] Those parts of the circus exposed to the sun.
[6] Portable shops.