A smile of contempt played round the lips of the courtezan.
"Repeat to him this," she replied; "not only shall he receive the hundred ounces if he succeeds, but, still further, he shall have a hundred more; and that he may be in no doubt of my promise," she added, rising and taking from a drawer a rather heavy bag which she handed to the bandit, "give him this; there is the half of the sum, but bid him despatch!"
The man bowed.
"As to you, Juanito," she continued, "as soon as you have acquitted yourself of this mission, return, for I shall, perhaps, want you here. Begone!"
The bandit disappeared instantly.
"Who is that man?" the General asked.
"A poor devil whom I saved some years ago from certain death. He is devoted to me, body and soul."
"Hum!" said the general, "he has rather too cunning an eye not to be a rogue."
The Linda shrugged her shoulders.
"You are mistrustful of everybody," she said.