"We shall do the work of good patriots by arresting a traitor."
"By frustrating a horrible plot," exclaimed Sacatripas, with a gesture of horror.
"And you gain one hundred ounces, which cannot do you any harm."
"And we gain one hundred," cried Mataseis, eagerly; but suddenly stopping and biting his lips, "Oh! Believe us, señor," said he, with compunction, "that the love of our country alone animates us in this matter. We have no other interest than this—to save our country from the abyss into which traitors wish to hurl it."
"No other than that," added Sacatripas, who made a point of modelling all he said on that of his brother.
"That is agreed," said Don Pablo, bowing; "so it is now agreed—you accept?"
"We accept; we must serve our country whenever occasion offers, but we want some instructions."
"I am ready to give you all you require."
"First; how are we to proceed?"
"As to that, that is your affair. I leave the choice of means entirely to you; the result alone concerns me. You are very intelligent caballeros, endowed with a very fertile imagination; quite accustomed to this sort of affair, in which you have acquired great experience. I do not doubt that, if you will give yourself the trouble, you will come out of the affair with honour."