"Ah, 'tis you, Malco Diaz," said he.
"Yes, Monsieur le marquis, it is me," answered the mameluco[1], in a low and half-stifled voice.
"Well, what do you want with me, now?"
"Well," said the other with a chill sneer, "the reception that your lordship gives me is scarcely endearing; it is two days since I have spoken to you."
"I have no reason, I suppose, to trouble myself with you. What is the use of my putting myself out? Are you not in my pay, and consequently my servant?" replied the marquis, with a haughty frown.
"It is true," answered the other, "a servant is a dog, and ought to be treated as such; however, you know the proverb, 'A bom jogo bo a volta.'"[2]
"Spare me your stupid proverbs. I beg and tell me, without more circumlocution, what brings you here?" answered the young man with impatience.
"Well, the business is, your lordship, that I engaged myself to you for two months at Rio Janeiro, in order to serve you as a guide, for four Spanish ounces per month, or, if you prefer it, 106,000 reis.[3] Is it not true, your lordship?"
"Perfectly; only you forget that you received before leaving Rio Janeiro—"
"One month in advance," interrupted the mameluco; "on the contrary, I remember it very well."