"What do you mean? Explain yourself, don Felipe."
"On my word," he exclaimed, suddenly making up his mind, "it is, I believe, the best thing I can do, so listen to me."
"Speak."
"Above all, do not be vexed, my dear señor; business is business, hang it all, and must be treated on the square."
"That is my opinion too, go on."
"Well, then, you offered me fifty thousand piastres to—"
"I know what for, so pass over it."
"I am quite agreeable: now fifty thousand piastres form a considerable sum; I have only your word as security."
"Is it not sufficient?"
"Not quite. I know very well that between gentlemen a word is a bond; but where business is concerned, it is no longer so. I believe you to be very rich, as you say you are, and as you offer me fifty thousand piastres; but what proof have I that when the moment arrives to pay me you will be in a position to do so, however good your will may be?"