The bandit breathed again.
"Still, as you are one of those persons with whom it is advisable to take precautions, and in whom a confidence cannot be placed, as they would not scruple to abuse it on the first opportunity, I retain not only the right, but also the means of blowing out your brains if you have the slightest intention of deceiving me."
"Oh, Captain, what an idea! Blow out my brains!" the bandit stammered.
"Do you fancy, my dear Señor," the Captain continued, still sarcastically, "that your friends will pity you greatly, if such a misfortune happened to you?"
"Hum! to tell you the truth, I do not exactly know," the adventurer answered, with at attempt to jest; "people are so unkind. But, since you accept the bargain offered to you—for you do accept it, I think, Captain?"
"I do."
"What then, will you give me in exchange for what I shall tell you?"
"You sell; I buy; it is your place to make your conditions; and, if they are not exorbitant—if, in a word, they seem to me fair, I will accept them; so, speak, what do you ask?"
"¡Caray! Captain; it is a delicate question, for I am an honest man."
"That is allowed," Don Marcos interrupted him with a laugh. "Name your price."