"Good! now you are learning reason; but take these ounces as a consolation."
The landlord pocketed the money, as he raised his eyes to heaven and gave a deep sigh.
"Fear nothing, viva Dios!" the traveller continued; "all will pass off better than you suppose. At what hour do you expect your visitors?"
"At half past ten, excellency."
"Good! it is half past nine, we have time before us. Where do you propose to hide us?"
"In this room, excellency."
"Here, diablo; whereabouts?"
"Behind the bar; no one will dream of looking for you there, and, besides, I shall serve as a rampart to you."
"Then you will be present at the meeting?"
"Oh!" he said with a smile, "I am nobody; the more so, that if I spoke, my house would be ruined."