"An honest man sticks to his word," said Tonillo; "and if Don Torribio has changed his mind, we have nothing more to say. That reminds me," he added, with a smothered sigh, "that I must refund to you two hundred piastres, which you advanced to—"
"Keep the trifle, dear señor," said Don Torribio; "the money cannot be in better hands than yours."
The vaquero, who had pulled the coins from his pocket with evident reluctance, thrust them back again with a celerity that evinced the greatest satisfaction.
"It is all the same," said he; "I do not consider myself quits with you, señor. I am an honest man, and you may rely upon me."
"On us all!" exclaimed the others in one voice.
"I thank you for your devotion, señores, and appreciate it highly. Unfortunately, as I say once more, it is of no use to me."
"It is unfortunate," said the verado; "one does not find such patrons as you every day, señor."
"Pooh!" said he gaily; "Now you are free, what prevents your placing yourselves under the orders of Don Fernando? He is very generous; a caballero to the tips of his fingers: I am sure he will pay you well."
"I suppose it will have to be so, señor," said Pablito; "moreover, we can now confess that we have already been thinking of it, and—"
"Have already taken service with him," said Don Torribio carelessly. "I was aware of it."