"And you were going like that, without taking what is due to you!" pursued the Guarani, in a sarcastic tone, which had considerable effect on the gauchos, who, in their desire to go away as quickly as possible, had completely forgotten the money; "That is very gracious on your part."
"I beg you to excuse me, señor," answered Mataseis, with self-possession; "we intended to claim the miserable money before leaving you."
"Eight ounces (£17)—you call that a miserable sum; it is, however, not to be disdained."
"We by no means disdain it, believe me."
Tyro took out eight ounces of gold from a leather purse which he always carried, and presented them to Sacatripas.
The gaucho's eye brightened suddenly at the sight of the gold, and he quickly held out his hand to take it; but Tyro withdrew his hand, and appearing to remember something:
"By the way," said he, "you doubtless remember all the conditions of your agreement?"
"All," answered the gaucho, with his eye fixed on the pieces of gold that Tyro amused himself by chinking in his hand.
"Good; you know that you cannot undertake anything against Señor Don Emile or his friends during the month which follows the termination of your agreement with him?"
"Eh!" said the bandits, starting as if they had been stung by a serpent.