“The papers are on board the felucca, and it will be more convenient, when the settlement is made, to come on board with the money. How would to-morrow morning do? There’s no hurry.”
“Just as you choose, friend of my soul! The doubloons, or the silk, or broadcloth are ready for you at any moment. Pay you in any thing except the delicious wines of France. Bueno!” he added, 72 pulling out a splendid gold repeater, with a marquis’s coronet on the chased back. “And now, amigo, accept this little token into the bargain.”
Don Ignaçio’s fiery eye twinkled with greed, but it was only for a moment, when, giving a quick glance at the coronet and coat of arms, he waved his fore finger gently to and fro, and shook his head.
“What! No? Why, you know it once belonged to the Captain General of Cuba, old Tol de rol de riddle rol––what was his name? He gave it me, you know, together with some other trinkets, for saving his life––a––you remember? Very generous old gentleman––nobleman indeed––he was. May he live a thousand years, or more, if he can!”
Ay, Don Ignaçio did remember the circumstance attending that generous transaction, and he remembered to have heard, also, that the Captain General made a present of all his money and jewels with the point of a broad blade quivering at his throat. He said nothing, however, in allusion to this interesting episode, but he smiled meaningly, and went on with his cigar.
“Not take it, eh? Well, amigo, I must look you up something else; but now for dinner. Babette, clear away for dinner. Here are the keys of the wine-cellar. The best, my beauty, and plenty of it.” Then turning to his companion: “Suppose we take a stroll to the Tiger’s Trap; the sun is sinking, and a walk will give us an appetite for the turtle-soup––vamanos!”
CHAPTER XII.
DOCTOR AND PRIEST.
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“But soon I heard the dash of oars, I heard the pilots’ cheer; My head was turned perforce away, And I saw a boat appear. “The pilot and the pilot’s boy, I heard them coming fast; Dear Lord in heaven! it was a joy The dead men could not blast.” |