"That is true. Well, then, all is settled; when the hour arrives, you will place us behind the bar; but can my companion and I sit there with any degree of comfort?"
"Oh, you will have plenty of room."
"I fancy this is not the first time such a thing has occurred, eh?"
The landlord smiled, but made no answer: the traveller reflected for a moment.
"Give us something to eat," he at length said; "here are two piastres in addition for what you are going to place before us."
The landlord took the money, and forgetting that he had declared a few moments previously that he had nothing in the house, he instantly covered the table with provisions, which, if not particularly delicate, were, however, sufficiently appetizing, especially for men whose appetite appeared to be powerfully excited.
The two travellers vigorously attacked this improvised supper, and for about twenty minutes no other sound was heard but that of their jaws. When their hunger was at length appeased, the traveller who seemed to speak for both, thrust away his plate, and addressed the landlord, who was modestly standing behind him hat in hand.
"And now for another matter," he said; "how many lads have you to help you?"
"Two, excellency—the one who took your horses to the corral, and another."
"Very good. I presume you will not require both those lads to wait on your friends tonight?"