"I do not know how I let myself be humbugged into accepting this confounded embassy, in which there are ninety chances in a hundred that I shall lose my hide; but what is done cannot be undone. Listen to me: during my absence you will take the command of my men, and I will give them orders to obey you as myself."
Moonshine gave a nod of assent.
"Now," the adventurer continued, "take this belt; it contains not only the gold I have just received, but also some savings of my own."
"What am I to do with it?"
"If I am killed by the Godos, I do not wish them to profit by my money. You will keep as much as you like, and send the rest to my old mother, you know where."
"I will send it all; I shall not need money, for if those brigands of Spaniards assassinate you I must revenge your death, and money will be useless to me."
"That is true; in that case you will send all. That is settled, thank you."
"There is nothing to thank me for; what you ask of me is simple."
"Yes, yes," the other said, with a shake of his head; "but who knows what turn matters will take?"
"Well, up to the present we have no cause to grumble, I fancy."