"A countryman," was the reply.
Baffled in this direction, Cartillos commenced in a fresh quarter.
"You are an Italian, I suppose?"
"I am."
"Of what part are you a native?"
"Before I came to Havana, I resided in Naples."
The manager bit his lip at the small amount of information he obtained, and commenced again.
"One of the troupe is ill, and I wish to obtain some one to supply her place-but I suppose you are unacquainted with any opera?"
"I will engage to perfect myself in any one within a week."
"I cannot wait so long. To-night is the evening I most desire your services," Cartillos replied, in despair.