’Obeying the injunction laid upon him by Adele, Mr. Livermore affected to demur at the high price placed by Pepito on his cooperation, but finally appeared to yield to our joint solicitation.

‘’Well, then, the bargain is closed,’ said Pepito, smiling.  ’Now I can understand why Pedro was so anxious to have me betray my trust.  Oh! how delighted I am to think he will find I have left him in the lurch.’

‘’Senor Pepito,’ said Adele, with a most winning smile, ’do you happen to know a family residing some short distance from this city, who, in consideration of a liberal compensation, would not object to take a lady to board with them?’

‘’I do, Senora, at Toluca.’

‘’How far is it from here?’

‘’Twelve or fourteen leagues.’

‘’ Are you intimate enough with the family to take me there to-morrow, without previously informing them of my intention?’

‘’Certainly; the lady I allude to is my sister.’

’’Then to-morrow morning early, at seven, say.  But Senor Pepito, I had forgotten to warn you that in escorting me you will run a great danger.’

’’Oh!  I am not afraid of the robbers on the road; they know me well, and never molest me.’

‘’It is not of robbers that I stand in dread.’

‘’Of what, then?’

’’Of a man—­an enemy who hates me with a deadly hatred, and who, I fear, seeks my life.’

’’A man—­one man—­and he seeks your life; well, well, I should like to meet him face to face,’ exclaimed Pepito.

‘’Then, Senor, you promise to protect me at any risk?’

‘’Protect you! yes,’ replied he with vehemence, ’I pledge you my honor, my body, and my soul.  I will face the bravest of the brave, to defend you from injury.’

‘’From my heart of hearts I thank you, Pepito,’ said Mr. Livermore, ’you shall find me not ungrateful, and in return for the zeal and devotion you have shown, two hundred dollars shall be yours, on your return with tidings of madame’s safe arrival.’

’’I will at once proceed to secure the necessary equipage, Senor.  Senora, rely on my punctuality; at seven, I shall attend you.’

‘’Are you related to Senor Pride?’ asked Pepito, as we descended the stairs.

‘’In no way; I have known him only a few days.’

’’Well, Caballero, I own I am enchanted with his wife; I never met a woman of such matchless beauty, such fascinating manners; why, Senor, if she said to me, ‘Pepito, kill your brother,’ and I had a brother, which, luckily, I have not, I think I should kill him.’

’These words were uttered with so much vehemence, that I deemed it advisable to turn the conversation.

‘’It seems strange to me,’ said I, ’that you should be so intimate with Pedro, and yet be ever on the very verge of quarreling with him.’