xico I can say--ay, swear it--"

"True, true!" interrupted the Captain. "But stay your asseveration.
There's no time to talk about the Senoritas now. My friends and I are
in want of something to eat. We're as hungry as _coyotes_. What have
you got in the larder?"

"Not much, I fear, your worship. And the cook's gone to bed, with
everybody else. But they'll only be too delighted to get up when they
hear it's your worship come back. Shall I go and rouse them, Senor?"

"No, no. Let them sleep it out. Any cold thing will do for us. We're
as much fatigued as famished, and wish to be in bed ourselves as soon as
possible. So look out whatever eatables there are, and don't forget the
drinkables. I trust the cellar isn't as low as the larder?"

"No, Senor. Of that I can speak with more confidence. Not a cork has
been drawn since you left us--I mean of the best wines. Only the common
Canario was drunk in your absence."

"In that case, mayor-domo, we may sup satisfactorily, so far as the
liquids are concerned, should the solids prove deficient. Bring a
bottle of Burgundy, another of the Brown Madeira, and, let me see--yes,
one of old Pedro Ximenes. I suppose the brethren have used up all my
best cigars?"

"Not one of them, Senor. The Havannahs have been under lock and key,
too. I gave out only _puros_."

"What a faithful steward you've proved yourself, Gregorio! Well, along
with the wine, let us have a bundle of Imperadores. We haven't tasted
tobacco for days, and are all dying for a smoke."

By this time they had entered the porch, and were passing on through a
long corridor, still more dimly illuminated. But there was light
issuing from a side-door, which stood open. By this Rivas made stop,
with word and gesture signifying to the others to pass on inside, which
they did. Not all of them, however; only Kearney and Rock. A different
disposition he meant making of the dwarf than giving him Burgundy and
Madeira to drink, with the smoking of "Emperor" cigars. Pointing to the
crooked semblance of humanity, at which Gregorio was gazing with a
puzzled air, he whispered to the latter--

"Take the beast back, and shut him up in one of the cells. You may give
him something to eat, but see to his being securely kept. Insignificant
as he looks, there's mischief in him, and he might take it into his head
to stray. You comprehend, Gregorio?"

"I do, your worship. I'll take care to stow him safe."

Sa