The ragdealer looked over the contents of the bundle, made a second inventory, and then in a jesting tone, with a rough voice, asked:
"Where did you steal this?"
The three associates chorused their protestation, but the ragpicker paid no heed.
"I can't give you more than three pesetas for the whole business."
"No," answered Vidal. "Rather than accept that we'll take the bundle with us."
"All right. The first guard I meet I'll inform against you and tell him that you're carrying stolen goods on your person."
"Come across with the three pesetas," said Vidal. "Take the bundle."
Vidal took the money and the ragdealer, laughing, took the package.
"The first guard we see we'll tell that you've got stolen goods in your sack," shouted Vidal to the ragdealer. The man with the sack got angry and gave chase to the trio.
"Hey there! Come back! Come back!" he bellowed.