"Señor," interrupted Sacatripas, with a courteous bow, "it is three weeks since the month commenced."
"What has that to do with your conditions?"
"It seems to me, caballero, that it has much to do with them," resumed Mataseis.
"So," sharply answered Emile, "it is your congé that you ask of me, is it, señores?"
The two bandits made a gracious salute, no doubt flattered at having been so well understood.
"I have neither the right, the power, nor the desire to retain you in my service against your will. Since the service is no longer agreeable to you, there is only one thing for me to do—to give you your congé."
"Very well put," observed Mataseis, twirling his moustache, with a courteous smile.
"You are free, then. Tyro will pay you the sum I owe you. Are you satisfied?"
"We could not be more so," they both answered at once.
"I am glad that we leave one another good friends. But permit me to ask you one question. Have you ever had anything to complain of since you have been in my service?"