"I said a hundred ounces," coolly answered Don Pablo; "as times go, gentlemen, you ought to look twice at that before refusing 1700 piastres (£212). Money becomes more and more scarce, and if the revolution only lasts two years more, we shall not be able to get any at all."
"True, señor; we live in very unfortunate times."
"Yes, yes, very unfortunate," added Sacatripas, in tears.
"Come, decide; is it yes or no," said Don Pablo, in a peremptory tone. "I will add, by-the-bye, if that will calm your honourable scruples, that these two men, with regard to whom you are so tender, are only going to the rendezvous of which I have spoken with the design of betraying what you call your republic."
"Oh, oh! Are you quite certain of what you say, señor?" asked Sacatripas, breathing like a man on the point of drowning, and who suddenly raised his head above the water.
"There is nothing more certain; besides, as you will probably be present at the interview they are to have with the Brazilian general—"
"What! Are they thinking of treating with the Brazilians?"
"They simply wish to sell their country to Brazil."
"Ah, look at that, my dear fellow," exclaimed Sacatripas; "that, it seems to me, considerably alters the matter."
"Changes it completely," answered the latter.