They then alighted, gathered some dry branches, with which the ground was strewed in great quantity, and they had soon lighted a fire, unsaddled and secured their horses, and were seated before the flame of their fire.
Each drew out some provisions from his alforjas, a kind of double pocket that horsemen carry behind their saddles. These provisions, were spread out in common, and the three companions, who had so fortuitously met—or at least they thought so—began to eat with a good appetite, every now and then taking large bumpers of white brandy, and then, their supper finished, they lighted their cigarettes.
"Well, señores," said Zeno Cabral, "now that we have had a good meal, what do you say to talk a bit?"
"People always gain by talking with a man like your Excellency," sententiously replied Mataseis.
"You speak more truly than you think, perhaps. So you have been dismissed, then, by that Frenchman?"
"Alas, yes."
"At least he paid you?"
"We have nothing to claim from him, your Excellency."
"Then you are open to execute a mission for me."
"We know that you are very generous, your Excellency; will you tell us what it is, and if we can do it we will."