"So then," said Baltasar, "you are not bound to Zumalacarregui; and should any other offer you better pay for lighter service, you are free to take it?"
"That's it," replied the gipsy.
There was a short pause, during which Colonel Villabuena attentively scanned the countenance of Jaime, who remained impassive, and with eyes fixed upon the ground, as though to prevent their expression from being read. Baltasar resumed—
"Say then that I were to ensure you a large reward for the performance of services far less dangerous than those you daily render at a less price, would you accept or refuse the offer?"
"I must know what I am to do, and what to get," said the gipsy, this time raising his eyes to Don Baltasar's face.
"Can you be silent?" said Baltasar.
"When I am paid for it—as the grave," was the reply.
"In short, if I understand you rightly," said the Colonel with an easy smile, "you will do any thing at a price."
"Any thing," returned the unabashed gipsy. "It is not a small risk that will frighten me, if the reward is proportionate."
"We shall suit one another charmingly," said Baltasar; "for what I require will expose you to little danger, and your reward shall be of your own fixing."