’On the door being opened, they flew to one another’s arms, and gave a true Mexican embrace.

’The entrance of Pedro, which evidently annoyed Mr. Livermore, awakened in my mind strange suspicions.  I resolved at the earliest opportunity I had of a private interview with him, to allude to what I had overheard on the Alameda.  In the mean time I would keep an eye on these two cronies.

‘’Stand back, Pedro, and let me have a good look at you.’

‘’There! well, how do you think I look?’

‘’My dear fellow, you are growing decidedly coarse and fat.’

‘’Bah! but how do you like my new rig?’

’’I can not admire the cut; but, of course, you bought them ready-made—­one could see that with half an eye.’

’’Well, Pepito, now that you are once more back in the city, I lack nothing to make me perfectly happy.  You will spend the rest of the day with me?’

‘’Of course, my dear fellow.’

‘’Well, it is about dinner-time; let us be off.’

‘’Wait till I have first bid adieu to his excellency,’ replied Pepito, turning toward Mr. Livermore.  Then advancing a few steps, he whispered a few words to him, at the same time bowing very low.  Arthur unlocked the drawer of his table and took out a roll of dollars, which he handed to the Mexican.

‘’Must you absolutely leave me so soon?’ said he.

’’Well, Caballero, after so long a journey, a man requires relaxation, and enjoys a social glass; so, with your permission, I will see you again to-morrow.’

’This answer was any thing but pleasing to Mr. Livermore, who turned to me, and addressing me in English, said: 

’’My dear sir, once more I must trespass on your good-nature.  It is essential to the success of my plans, that these two men should not be left together.  Will you, can you, tack yourself on to them, and keep close to Pepito until they separate?’

’’Your request is as strange as it is difficult of execution; but I will do my best.’

‘’Gentlemen,’ said I, to the two Mexicans, as we all three were going down the stairs, ’you were speaking of dining—­now I want to visit a real Mexican fonda; I am tired of these French cafes; will you favor me by taking me to a first-rate house, for I am not acquainted with this city.’

‘’If you will accompany us to the Fonda Genovesa, Caballero,’ said Pedro, ‘I will warrant you will have no cause to repent it.’

’’I am infinitely indebted to you, and shall gladly accept your guidance.’

’The Fonda Genovesa was certainly one of the vilest establishments I ever visited, and the dinner was, of course, detestably bad.  However, I treated my two worthies to a couple of bottles of wine, which being to them a rare luxury, they declared they had fared sumptuously.

‘’But, look here, Pepito,’ said Pedro, ’you have not yet alluded to your journey.  Where have you been all this time?’