"I am absolutely convinced," replied Roberto, "that some day I'm going
to be a millionaire. I am engaged in constructing the machinery that
will bring me a fortune."

The Superman posed as a man of the world who had seen many things;
upon hearing this he permitted himself a scoffing remark concerning
Roberto's ability, and the youth retorted in so violent and aggressive
a manner that the journalist lost his composure and blurted out a
string of apologies.

Afterwards, when Don Telmo and Roberto were left alone at the table,
they continued talking, and from the general theme as to whether young
folk should or should not be ambitious, they passed on to the
student's hopes of some day being a millionaire.

"I'm convinced that I shall be one," said the boy. "In my family there
have been a number of individuals with great luck."

"That's all very well, Roberto," muttered the old man. "But one must
know how to become wealthy."

"Don't imagine that my hope is illusory; I'm going to inherit, and not
a small amount, either; I'm heir to a vast sum ... millions.... The
foundations of my work and the framework are already completed; all I
need now is money."

Don Telmo's countenance was crossed by an expression of disagreeable
surprise.

"Don't worry," replied Roberto, "I'm not going to ask you for it."