"You are really most generous. Believe me, señor, that any present coming from you will always be most precious in my eyes."
And, after lighting his cigarette, he unceremoniously placed the mechero in his pocket.
"Of course your visit Has an object?" the senator said, after a moment's interval.
"They always have, señor," the other answered, as he enveloped himself in a cloud of blue smoke, which issued from his nose and mouth; "the first was to see you."
"I thank you for the politeness; but I do not think that is sufficient reason for forcing your way in here."
"Forcing is rather a harsh word, señor," the bandit said, sorrowfully; but he suddenly changed his tone, and assumed his usual sharp, quick way. "Come, Don Rufino, let us deal fairly, and not waste our time in compliments which neither of us believes."
"I wish nothing better; speak, then, and the plague take you."
"Thank you. I prefer that mode of speech, for at least I recognise you. I am about to give you an example of frankness; I have come, not to propose a bargain, but to sell you certain information, and a letter of the utmost importance to you, which I obtained—no matter how—solely on your account."
"Good; let us see whether I can accept the bargain."
"In the first place, allow me to say two words, so as to thoroughly establish our reciprocal position. Our situation has greatly changed during the last few days; I no longer fear you, but you, on the contrary, are afraid of me."