'When does his Excellency take the road again?' he said. 'I am
ready. The Guardia Civil was mistaken this time--the judge said
there was no stain on my name.'

He shrugged his shoulders and waved away the slight with the
magnanimity of one who can forgive and forget.

'I take the road to-morrow; but our contract ceased at Ronda. I had
no intention of taking you on.'

'You are not satisfied with me?' inquired Concepcion, offering his
interlocutor the cigarette he had just made.

'Oh, yes.'

'Buen! We take the road together.'

'Then there is nothing more to be said?' inquired Conyngham with a
good-natured laugh.

'Nothing, except the hour at which your Excellency starts.'

'Six o'clock,' put in General Vincente quietly. 'Let me see, your
name is Concepcion Vara.'

'Yes, Excellency--of Algeciras.'

'It is well. Then serve this gentleman well, or else--' The
General paused, and laughed in his most deprecating manner.