A DARK HISTORY CONCLUDED.
"The pulquero at length decided on obedience. Suddenly a luminous thought crossed his brain, and it was with a smile on his lips that he lifted the knocker. At the moment he was going to let it fall, Don Torribio caught his arm."
"'What is the matter?' Salado asked."
"'Eleven o'clock struck long ago; everybody must be asleep in the convent, so perhaps it would be better to try another plan.'"
"'You are mistaken, Caballero,' the pulquero answered; 'the portress is awake.'"
"'Are you sure of it?'"
"'Caramba!' the other answered, who had formed his plan, and was afraid he would be obliged to return the money, if his employé changed his mind. 'The convent of the Bernardines is open day and night to persons who come for medicines. Leave me to manage it.'"
"'Go on, then,' the chief of the band said, letting loose his arm."
"Salado did not allow the permission to be repeated, through fear of a fresh objection, and he hastened to let go the knocker, which resounded on a copper bolt. Don Torribio and his companions were crouching under the wall."
"In a moment the trapdoor was pushed back, and the wrinkled face of the portress appeared."