“And you received my letter?”
“Si, señor.”
“That’s all right, then. And now to proceed to the business that has brought me aboard your ship. Having seen your advertisement in the Diario, I communicated with Don Tomas; but only so far as to get your correct address, with some trifling particulars. For the rest, I’ve thought it best to deal directly with yourself; as the matter I have in hand is too important to be entrusted to an agent. In short, it requires confidence, if not secrecy, and from what I’ve heard of you, Señor Lantanas, I feel sure I can confide in you.”
“You compliment me, Señor Montijo.”
“No, no; nothing of the kind. I but speak from the account Silvestre has given me of your character. But now to business. Your ship is advertised for freight, or passage?”
“Either, or both.”
“Bound for Valparaiso and intermediate ports?”
“Anywhere down the coast.”
“Have you passengers already engaged?”
“Not any as yet.”