Manvers could see very well what he was driving at. "I think I'll take the diligencia, Gil Perez."
Gil shrugged. "'Ow you like, master. Fine air, thata way. Ver' cheap way to go. You take my advice, you go coupé. I go redonda more cheap. Give me your passport, master—I take our place."
"Yes, I know," said Manvers. "But I'm not sure that I need take you on with me. I travel without a servant mostly."
Gil grappled with his task. He dropped his air of assumption; his eyes glittered.
"I save you money, master. You find me good servant—make a difference, yes?"
"Oh, a great deal of difference," Manvers admitted. "I like you; you suit me excellently well, but——" He considered what he had to do in Madrid, and frowned over it. Manuela was there, and he wished to see Manuela. He had not calculated upon having a servant when he had promised himself another interview with her, and was not at all sure that he wanted one. On the other hand, Gil might be useful in a number of ways—and his discretion and tact were proved. While he hesitated, Gil Perez saw his opportunity and darted in.
"I know Madrid too much," he said. "All the ways, all the peoples I know. Imposs' you live 'appy in Madrid withouta me." He smiled all over his face—and when he did that he was irresistible. "You try," he concluded, just like a child.
Manvers, on an impulse, drew from his pocket the gold-set crucifix. "Look at that, Gil Perez," he said, and put it in his hands.
Gil looked gravely at it, hack and front. He nodded his approval. "Pretty thing——" and he decided off-hand. "In Valladolid they make."
"Open it," said Manvers; but it was opened, before he had spoken. Gil's eyes widened, while the pupils of them contracted intensely. He read the inscription, pondered it; to the crucifix itself he gave but a momentary glance. Then he shut the case and handed it back to his master.