"So much the worse for him," muttered Pablito.
"Then the offer is agreeable to you, even in that case?"
"More so than ever," growled Tonillo.
"Since that is your opinion, caballeros, listen attentively," said Don Torribio, drawing himself up; "I have pledged my honour," he began, "to make no attempts against Don Fernando Carril, either directly or indirectly."
"An honest man sticks to his word," said Tonillo.
"And I intend to keep mine scrupulously, as regards Don Fernando."
The vaqueros made signs of approbation.
"But," continued the speaker, "you know as well as I do that Don Fernando is a man made of mysteries, whose life lies hidden under an impenetrable veil."
"Alas, yes!" piteously sighed Tonillo.
"No one knows what becomes of him for the greater part of his time: he disappears for months together, to start up again at the moment when one least expects him."