"Well, Señor, I am not unreasonable. Let us say one thousand pesetas down and a quarter of the treasure when you find it."
Miguel laughed softly.
"Thank you, my friend! Before I pay a thousand pesetas I should like to know what I am paying it for."
Quintanar, hesitating for a moment, slowly drew out a blue paper from beneath his jacket, and said:
"What do you think of this?
'I am convinced that Miguel Priego was at the bottom of this dastardly outrage. Unfortunately, we have no proof at present that would satisfy a judge, but if any of the men who assisted him can be found and induced to give evidence it is still possible that he may be brought to book.'
What do you think of that, Don Miguel? Ah! I thought I should interest you."
Miguel forced a smile, and, waving his hand airily, said:
"If that is all the letter contains I would not offer a maravedi for it."
"Oh, there is more, a good deal more! I need not read it all, but listen to this: