CHAPTER V
"Let him tell you who he is, or let him go to the devil. Cursed bad luck.... Can't you let a fellow sleep?"
El Nacional received this answer through his master's bedroom door, and passed it on to a farm servant who was waiting on the stairs.
"Tell him to say who he is; otherwise the master won't get up."
It was eight o'clock, and the banderillero went to a window to watch the farm servant, who ran down the road in front of the grange, till he came to the end of the distant fence which bounded the property. Close to the entrance through this fence, he saw a rider, who appeared very small in the distance, both man and horse looking as if they had come out of a toy box.
A short time afterwards the labourer returned, having talked with the rider.
El Nacional, who seemed interested by these comings and goings, waited for him at the foot of the staircase.
"He says he must see the master," mumbled the shepherd, stammering. "He seems to me up to no good. He says the master must come down at once, as he has something important to tell him."
The banderillero returned to knock at his master's door, paying no attention to his grumbling. He ought to get up, it was a late hour for the country, and the man might bring some important message.
"I'm coming," said Gallardo ill-humouredly, without however moving from his bed.