se confinement during the hours of the day. A
clever actor, and having a tongue that could "wheedle with the devil,"
he had wheedled with the mayor-domo to granting him certain indulgences;
among them being allowed to spend part of his time in the kitchen and
scullery. Not in idleness, however, but occupied with work for which he
had proved himself well qualified. It was found that he had once been
"boots" in a _posado_, which fitted him for usefulness in many ways.

In the _cocina_ of the old convent his temper was sorely tried, the
other "mozos" making cruel sport of him. But he bore it with a meekness
very different to what he had shown while in the Acordada.

Thus acquitting himself, Gregorio, who had him in special charge, began
to regard him as a useful if not ornamental addition to his domestic
staff of the establishment. Notwithstanding, the precaution was still
continued of locking him at night and re-attaching the chain to his
ankle. This last was more disagreeable than aught else he had to
endure. He could bear the jibes of his fellow-scullions, but that
fetter sorely vexed him; as night after night he was accustomed to say
to the mayor-domo as he was turning the key in its clasp.

"It's so uncomfortable, Senor Don Gregorio," was his constantly
recurring formula. "Keeps me from sleeping and's very troublesome when
I want to turn over, as I often do on account of the pains in my poor
humped shoulders. Now, why need you put it on? Surely you're not
afraid of me trying to get away? Ha, ha! that would be turning one's
back upon best friends. _Cascaras_! I fare too well here to think of
changing quarters. Above all, going into the Acordada; where I'd have
to go sure, if I were to show my face in the city again. Oh no, Senor!
you don't catch me leaving this snug crib, so long's you allow me to
board and bed in it. Only I'd like you to let me off from that nasty
thing. It's cold too; interferes with my comfort generally. Do, good
Don Gregorio! For this one night try me without it. And if you're not
satisfied with the result, then put it on ever after, and I won't
complain, I promise you."

In somewhat similar forms he had made appeals for many nights in
succession, but without melting the heart of the "Good Don Gregorio."

At length, however, it proved effectual. Among various other avocations
he had been a _Zapartero_, of the class cobbler, and on a certain day
did service to the mayor-domo