“And you know that I have many means of doing it?”
“I know it and they have no terrors for me.”
“Paco, you despise me,” said the Chango with annoyance.
“No, I merely answer you,” replied Paco, coldly.
“For the last time I will sum up the situation. If you consent to withdraw from the Independiente you shall have whatever advantages you desire that I can give you; you shall have the same if you consent, at least, to speak no more of the contract. Do you agree?”
“I have already said no,” replied Paco with dignity.
“Very well; it is hard for me to proceed against a fellow-student, whom I have always esteemed for his talents and his brilliant promise; for that reason, I desired to speak with you beforehand and give you proofs of my friendship, but since you are obstinate, I warn you that I shall prosecute you criminally.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
“Do you reflect that you will be proceeded against, that you will be sent to jail, that you will be sentenced?”
“Yes, I consider all, and I am prepared for all; you will allow me to say that I appreciate the kindness and politeness, with which you have treated me; but now, as it seems your wish to induce me to maintain silence and to separate myself from the Independiente, and as I will never agree to this, I judge my further presence here to be useless and, with your permission, will leave.”