“Good morning, compadre,” replied the newcomer, checking his horse and dismounting.
The servant who accompanied him quickly dismounted from his horse and went to hold, by the bridle, that of his master. Then he bent to remove his master’s spurs.
“No, Marcos,” said Don Miguel to him, “do not remove them. We shall go on at once.”
“How! compadre,” said Don Pedro; “then you will not remain to take breakfast with me?”
“No, not today, because I must arrive at Derramadero before 6, and it is yet distant.”
“That is true, compadre; but there will be another day, will there not? Pass in, pass in. Do you desire that we sit down here on the bench to enjoy the fresh air, or shall we go into the office?”
“We are very well here. Do not trouble yourself.”
“Very well. What are you doing so early?”
“It does not please me to visit. I come to treat of our business.”
“What business?”