Everybody took sides against Manuel, except Roberto, who defended him. The agent retired to his room, summoned the landlady, and told her that he refused to remain another moment as long as Petra's son was in the house.
The landlady, whose chief interest was to retain her boarder, communicated her decision to her servant.
"Now see what you've done. You can't stay here any longer," said Petra to her son.
"All right. That clown will pay for these," replied the boy, nursing the welts on his forehead. "I tell you, if I ever meet him I'm going to smash in his head."
"You take good care not to say a word to him."
At this moment the student happened to enter the dining-room.
"You did well, Manuel," he exclaimed, turning to Petra. "What right had that blockhead to insult him? In this place every boss has a right to attack his neighbour if he doesn't do as all the others wish. What a cowardly gang!"
As he spoke, Roberto blanched with rage; then he grew calm and asked
Petra:
"Where are you going to take Manuel now?"
"To a cobbler's shop that belongs to a relative of mine on Aguila street."