"That is possible, your excellency," the landlord answered, as he went to open the door on the chain, which left only a passage of a few inches, much too narrow for the visitor to enter the house against the wish of its owner. This precautionary measure, which is at once very prudent and simple, is generally adopted all through Mexico, owing to the slight confidence with which the police organization in this blessed country, which is the refuge of scoundrels of every description, inspires the inhabitants.
After exchanging a few words in a low voice with the new arrival, the landlord unhooked the chain and opened the door.
"Excellency," he said to the stranger, who was slowly sipping his tamarind water, "here is your messenger."
"At last," the traveller said, gladly, as he placed his horn mug on the table.
The peon entered, politely doffed his hat and bowed.
"Well, my friend," the stranger asked him, "did you find the person to whom I sent you?"
"Yes, excellency, I had the good fortune to find him at home on his return from a tertulia in the Calle San Agustin."
"Ah, ah! and what did he say on receiving my note?"
"Well, excellency, he is a caballero, for sure; for he first gave me a piastre, and then said to me, 'Go back as quick as you can walk, and tell the gentleman who sent you that I shall be at the meeting he appoints as soon as yourself.'"
"So that——"