"Listen," the general said, checking him by a look.

The door had just been opened.

"Did I not forbid you disturbing me?" the President said to the usher, who was standing respectfully before him.

"General Márquez, Excellency," the usher answered impassively.

The President started, and a slight flush spread over his face.

"Let him come in," he said sharply.

General Márquez appeared.

"Well?" the President asked him.

"It is done," the general replied laconically; "the money is paid into the treasury."

"How did it come off?" the President continued, with an imperceptible tremor in his voice.