"Not a word more on that subject, sir."
"I know," the colonel continued imperturbably, "what you would object; a bird in the hand is worth a vulture in the air."
Don Antonio, troubled by the meaning attached to his words, could find no reply. The colonel continued;
"The chiefs of the company employed the same line of reasoning as yourself, sir. They understood that they must act fairly and above board with a man holding so high as yourself, and so worthy in every respect of their confidence; consequently, they commissioned me to hand you, in addition to the shares——"
"Sir," Señor Pavo essayed again.
"Fifty thousand piastres," the colonel said distinctly.
Don Antonio made a bound of surprise.
"What!" he exclaimed. "What did you say, señor?"
"I mentioned 50,000 piastres."
"Ah, ah!"