"You know it?" cried the bandits, struck with astonishment.
"And are not vexed at it?" continued Pablito.
"Why should I be? On the contrary, I am delighted. It is a strange chance; but perhaps you will be even better able to serve me by the change."
"Indeed!" said they, becoming very attentive.
"Certainly you may. So you really are devoted to me?"
"To the last drop of our blood!" shouted the vaqueros in touching unison.
"You do not despise money?"
"Money can never hurt those who have none," replied the sententious Pablito.
"When it is earned honourably," added Tonillo with a grin like a monkey.
"I agree with you," said Don Torribio; "particularly when it is a question of a hundred ounces or so," (about three hundred and forty pounds sterling).