The Jaguar bowed without replying, and carelessly leant his elbow on the couch upon which the clock stood.
"We will first begin with this saloon," the General continued.
"You mean that you will finish with it," the young man remarked, with an ironical smile.
"Let us look first at the secret door in that wall."
"What! You know it then?"
"It seems so."
"Hang it all! You are better informed than I supposed."
"You do not know all yet."
"I hope so; judging from the commencement, I expect some extraordinary discoveries."
"Perhaps so. Will you make the spring work yourself, Caballero, or would you prefer my doing it?"