and that very mill on which Licurgo bases his claim are mine--"

"The title-deeds of the property ought to be examined, to see if
possession may not constitute a title in this case."

"Possession! Those scoundrels are not going to have the pleasure of
laughing at me in that way. I suppose that justice is honestly and
faithfully administered in the city of Orbajosa."

"Oh, as to that!" exclaimed the little lawyer, with an approving look,
"the judge is an excellent person! He comes here every evening. But it
is strange that you should have received no notice of Senor Licurgo's
claims. Have you not yet been summoned to appear before the tribunal of
arbitration?"

"No."

"It will be to-morrow, then. Well, I am very sorry that Senor Licurgo's
precipitation has deprived me of the pleasure and honor of defending
you, but what is to be done? Licurgo was determined that I should take
him out of his troubles. I will study the matter with the greatest care.
This vile slavery is the great drawback of jurisprudence."

Pepe entered the dining-room in a deplorable state of mind. Dona
Perfecta was talking with the Penitentiary, as he entered, and Rosarito
was sitting alone, with her eyes fixed on the door. She was no doubt
waiting for her cousin.

"Come here, you rascal," said his aunt, smiling with very little
spontaneity. "You have insulted us, you great atheist! but we forgive