"I never said a word of the kind!" the exasperated senator exclaimed.
"In that case," said the General, with a stern frown, and surveying him coolly, "you mean to say that I have told a falsehood."
Don Ramón became aware that he had made a false move, and drew back.
"Pardon me, my dear General," he said, in the most amiable voice possible, "you are perfectly right; I do now remember it was two thousand piastres I promised you in addition."
It was now the General's turn to be at a loss, for this generosity on the part of the senator, whose avarice was proverbial, confused him; he was suspicious of some snare or trick.
"But," Don Ramón added, with an air of triumph, "you have not saved me."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Why, Santiago! as we are going to hold a parley, you are too late, and our bargain is void."
"Oh! oh!" said Don Tiburcio, with a jeering smile, "you think so, do you?"
"Caspita! I am sure of it."