Manuel knocked and Encarna opened; they went inside. Señor Zurro was in his room, reading a newspaper by the light of a large candle; the place was a regular storehouse, cluttered with old secretaries, dilapidated chests, mantlepieces, clocks and sundry other items. It was close enough to stifle a person; it was impossible to breathe or to take a step without stumbling against something.
"Are you Señor Zurro?" asked Roberto.
"Yes."
"I have come at the suggestion of Don Telmo."
"Don Telmo!" repeated the old man, rising and offering the student a chair. "Have a seat. How is the good gentleman?"
"Very well."
"He's an excellent friend of mine," continued Zurro. "I should say so. Well, young man, let me know what you wish. It's enough for me that you come from Don Telmo; that assures you my best services."
"I should like to learn the whereabouts of a certain girl acrobat who lived about five or six years ago in a lodging-house of this vicinity, or in Cuco's hostelry."
"And do you know this girl's name?"
"Yes."