CHAPTER XI.
A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION.
We have mentioned in a previous chapter the object for which Valentinepresented himself in his friend's place. He wished to try and discoverfor what reason Dona Angela desired so ardently to see Louis again. Asfor Don Cornelio, he was intimately persuaded that his personal meritshad done it all, and that the young lady's sole wish was to have anotherinterview with himself.
On the other hand, the hunter, warned by Curumilla, was not sorry to seethe man with whom he had been indirectly connected at another period ofhis life--a connection which might at any moment become more intimate,owing to the general's new position and Don Louis' projects.
The two strangers presented themselves boldly; their manner wasrespectful, without arrogance or excessive humility; such, in a word, asmight be expected from men long tried by the innumerable hazards of anadventurous life.
The general probably expected to see men of low habits and vulgarfeatures. At the sight of the two men, whose masculine and honest facesstruck him, he started imperceptibly, rose, saluted them courteously,and invited them to sit down on chairs he ordered to be placed for them.
Dona Angela knew not what to think after Don Cornelio's positivestatement. The absence of Don Louis, and the substitution for him of aman she did not know, appeared inexplicable. Still, without exactlyunderstanding her feelings, she guessed, under this substitution, amystery which she sought in vain to fathom. Violanta was as confused andastonished as her mistress: the captain alone remained indifferent towhat passed. The old soldier, profiting cleverly by the fact of thebottle of refino having been placed on the table, had poured out a largeglass of aguardiente, which he swallowed in small doses, while patientlywaiting till the general thought proper to open the ball.
When the hunters had at length taken their seats, after repeatedpressing, the general took the word.
"You will pardon me, gentlemen, for having disturbed you by compellingyou to come here, when it should have been my place to go to yourcuarto, as it is I who wish to speak with you."
"General," Valentine answered with a respectful bow, "my friend andmyself would have been in despair had we caused you the least annoyance.Pray believe that we shall always be happy to obey your orders, whateverthey may be."
After this mutual interchange of compliments the speakers bowed again.No people in the world carry to such an extent as the Mexican the felinegentleness of manner, if we may be permitted to employ the expression.
"Which of you two gentlemen," the general continued gracefully, "isSenor Don Cornelio?"
"It is I, caballero," the Spaniard answered with a bow.
"In that case," Don Sebastian went on, turning to the hunter with anamiable smile, "this caballero is Don Louis?"
"Pardon me, general," the Frenchman answered distinctly, "my name isValentine."
The general started.
"What?" he said in surprise. "And where, then, is Senor Don Louis?"
"It is impossible for him to obey your orders."
"Why so?"
"Because," Valentine continued, casting a side glance at the young lady,who, though she appeared to be very busily talking with her camarista,did not lose a word that was said, "because, general, Don Louis, unawarethat he should have the honour of being received by your Excellency thismorning, started at sunrise for San Francisco."
Dona Angela turned pale as death, and was on the point of fainting atthis news; still she overcame the emotion she experienced, and becameapparently calm. She wished to learn all. This emotion, though sotransitory, had not escaped Valentine's observation. The general nearlyturned his back on his daughter: hence it was impossible for him to seeanything that passed.
"That is annoying," he answered.
"I am in despair, general."
"His absence will doubtlessly be of short duration?"
"He will not return."
Valentine pronounced these words dryly. The emotion Dona Angelaexperienced was so lively that she could not check a slight cry of pain.
"What is the matter, nina?" her father asked her, turning sharply. "Whatis the meaning of that cry?"
"I cut myself," she answered with the most innocent air possible.
"Oh, oh!" her father said in alarm; "it is not dangerous?"
"No; a mere scratch. I was a goose to be frightened. Forgive me, papa."
The general asked no further questions, but continued his conversationwith the Frenchman.
"I am vexed at this _contretemps_," he said, "for I wished to consultwith your friend on very important business."
"No matter; I am here. My friend, on starting, gave me full power to actin his name. You can speak, general; that is to say, if you do notconsider me unworthy of your confidence."
"Such a supposition would be an insult, sir."
Valentine bowed.
"Well, caballero," the general continued, "the affair I wished todiscuss with your friend is certainly important; but if your full powersextend to commercial transactions, I do not see why I should not treatwith you as well as with him."
"Speak openly, then, general, for I am Don Louis' partner."
"This is the affair in two words--"
"Pardon me," Dona Angela suddenly said, with a little air of resolution,which even imposed on the general himself; "before you begin talkingabout trade, I should like to ask this gentleman a few questions."
The general turned in surprise, and bent an inquiring glance on hisdaughter.
"What can you have to ask this caballero?" he said.
"You will soon know, my dear papa," she replied with a slight tone ofsarcasm, "if you will permit me to ask him two or three questions."
"Speak, then, you little madcap," the general exclaimed with a shrug ofhis shoulders; "speak, and make a finish as soon as you can."
"Thank you, papa. Your permission is, perhaps, not very graciouslygranted, but I shall not bear you malice on that account."
"As you permit it, general, I am at the lady's orders."
"In the first place, sir, promise me one thing."
"What is it, senorita?"
"That you will answer frankly and honestly all the questions I may askyou."
"What is the meaning of this folly, Angela?" the general saidimpatiently. "Is this the moment or the place? Is it befitting for--?"
"Papa," the young lady boldly interrupted him, "you gave me permissionto speak."
"Granted; but not in the way you seemed inclined to do so."
"Have a little patience, papa."
"Bah!" the captain said, interposing, "let her speak as she likes. Goon, my child--go on."
"I am waiting this gentleman's answer," she said.
"I make you the promise you ask, senorita," Valentine answered.
"I hold your word. What is your friend's name, sir?"
"Which one, senorita?".
"The one whose place you have taken."
"His name is Count Louis de Prebois Crance."
"He is a Frenchman?"
"Born at Paris."
"You have known him a long time?"
"Since his birth, senorita. My mother was his nurse."
"Ah!" she said with pleasure; "then you are really his friend?"
"I am his foster brother."
"He has no secrets from you?"
"None, I fancy."
"Good!"
"Come, come," the general exclaimed, "this is becoming intolerable. Whatis the meaning of this interrogatory to which you subject the caballero,and to which he has the goodness to yield so complacently? Confound it,nina! I beg the senor's pardon in your name; for your conduct toward himis most improper."
"What is there improper in it, papa? My intentions are good, and I amcertain that you will agree with me when you learn why I asked thecaballero these simple questions, which, however, appear to you soextraordinary."
"Well, go on. What is the reason?"
"This. Three years back, during your journey from Guadalajara to Tep
ic,were you not attacked by salteadores at the spot called the Mal Paso?"
"Yes; but what has that in common, I ask--?"
"Wait," she said gaily. "Two men came to your assistance?"
"Yes, and I am not ashamed to confess that, without them, I shouldprobably have not only been robbed, but murdered by the bandits.Unfortunately these men obstinately refused to tell me their names. Allmy researches up to the present have been fruitless. I have been unableto find them again, and show them my gratitude, which I assure you vexesme extremely."
"Yes, papa, I know that you have often in my presence regretted yourinability to find the courageous man to whom you owe your life, as wellas I do, who was but a child at the time."
The young lady uttered these words with an emotion that affected all herhearers.
"Unfortunately," the general said a moment later, "three years haveelapsed since that adventure. Who knows what has become of that man?"
"I do, papa."
"You, Angela!" he exclaimed in surprise. "It is impossible."
"My father, the questions I addressed to the gentleman, and which heanswered so kindly, had only one object; to acquire a certainty bycorroborating through the answers I received certain information I hadobtained elsewhere."
"So that--?"
"The man who saved your life is the Count Don Louis, who started thisvery morning for San Francisco."
"Oh!" the general said in great agitation, "it is impossible. You aremistaken, my child."
"Pardon me, general, but my friend has frequently told me the story inits amplest details," Valentine observed. "Why seek to hide longer athing you now know?"
"And to remove all doubts, if any remain, which I hardly suppose, papa,in the presence of this caballero's loyal assurance, look at this man,"she added, pointing to the Spaniard. "Do you not recognise Don Cornelio,our old travelling companion, who constantly sang to his jarana theromance of El Rey Rodrigo?"
The general examined the young man attentively.
"It is true," he said presently; "I now recognise this caballero, whom Ileft wounded, at his own request, in the hands of my generousliberator."
"Whom I have not left since," Don Cornelio affirmed.
"Ah!" the general said. "But why this obstinacy on Don Louis' part tokeep his secret? Did he fancy that gratitude was too heavy a burden forme to bear?"
"Do not think such a thing of my friend," Valentine exclaimed quickly."Don Louis believed, and still believes, that the service he renderedyou was too trifling to have such great importance attached to it."
"_Caspita!_ When he saved my honour! But now that I know him he shallnot escape me longer. I will find him sooner or later, and prove to himthat we Mexicans have a memory as long for good as for ill. I am hisdebtor, and, by heavens! I will pay him my debt."
"That is good, papa," the young lady exclaimed, as she threw herselfinto his arms.
"Enough, little madcap, enough. Confusion! You are stifling me. But tellme, little rogue, I believe that in all this you have been playing me anice little trick."
"Oh, father!" she answered with a blush.
"Would you, miss, have the goodness to explain to me how you obtainedall this information? I confess that it puzzles me considerably, and Ishould like to know."
Dona Angela, began laughing to conceal her embarrassment; but suddenlymaking up her mind with that decision which marked her character,--
"I will tell you, if you promise not to scold me too severely," shesaid.
"Go on; we will see afterwards."
"I told you a story this morning, papa," she said, letting her eyesfall.
"I suspect it: go on."
"If you frown in that way, and put on your naughty air, I warn you thatI shall not say a word."
"And you will be right, nina," the captain supported her.
The general smiled.
"Come," he said, "you are taking her part, are you?"
"_Caspita!_ I should think so."
"Come, come, be at your ease; I will not be angry, the more so because Isuspect that the pretty baggage behind you, with her cunning looks, hassomething to do with the plot," he said, looking at Violanta, who couldnot keep her countenance.
"You have guessed it, papa. I slept splendidly last night: nothingdisturbed my slumbers."
"Just listen to that, the little deceiver!"
"Last evening, however, I heard the sound of a jarana accompanying theRomance del Rey Rodrigo. I remembered our old travelling companion whonever sang anything else. I know not how it was, but I persuaded myselfthat he was the singer, and so I sent Violanta to invite him to my room.Then--"
"Then he told you all?"
"Yes, papa. As I knew the desire you felt to know your liberator, Iwished to surprise you by letting you find him at the moment you leastexpected. Unfortunately chance has thwarted all my plans, and destroyedmy combinations."
"That was right, nina, for it will teach you not to have any secretsfrom your father. But console yourself, my child; we will find himagain, and then he must allow us to express our gratitude to him, whichtime, far from lessening, has only heightened."
The young lady, without saying anything further, returned pensively toher seat. The general turned to Valentine.
"It is now our turn, caballero. You are the owner of the herd ofcattle?"
"Yes, general; but I am not the only one."
"Who are your partners?"
"Don Louis and the caballero here present."
"Very good. Do you wish to dispose of your cattle advantageously?"
"It is my intention."
"How many head have you?"
"Seven hundred and seventy."
"And you are taking them--?"
"To San Francisco."
"_Caramba!_ That is a tough job."
"We purpose hiring peons to drive the animals."
"But if you could find a purchaser here?"
"I should prefer it."
"Well, I want cattle: most of mine have been stolen by theApaches--those infernal plunderers! If you consent we will strike abargain. Your herd suits me. My mayordomo has seen it, and I will buy itin the lump."
"I wish nothing better."
"We say seven hundred and seventy head, I think?"
"Yes."
"At twenty-five piastres apiece: that makes 19,250 piastres, if I amnot mistaken. Does that suit you?"
"No, general," Valentine replied firmly.
Don Sebastian looked at him in amazement.
"Why so?" he said.
"Because I should rob you."
"Hum! That is my business."
"That is possible, general; but it is not mine."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that cattle are sold, one with the other, at eighteen piastresin San Francisco, and I cannot sell them for twenty-five here."
"Nonsense! I fancy I know the value of ganado as well as any man; and Ioffer you the price your herd is worth."
"No, general, it is not worth it, and you know it as well as I do," thehunter objected resolutely. "I thank you for your generosity, but Icannot accept it: my friend would be angry with me for making such abargain."
"Then you refuse?"
"I do."
"It is perfectly novel for a merchant to refuse to gain a profit on hiswares."
"Pardon me, general, I do not refuse an honest profit; but I will notrob you, that is all."
"On my word, you are the first man I ever knew to look at trade in thatlight."
"Probably, general, because you have never had dealings with aFrenchman."
"I must yield. What do you ask for the beasts?"
"Nineteen piastres per head, which, I assure you, will give me a veryhandsome profit."
"Be it so. That makes--?"
"Fourteen thousand six hundred and thirty piastres."
"Very good. If that will suit you, I will give you an order for that sumon Messrs. Torribi, Dellaporta, and Co., at Guaymas."
"That will do admirab
ly."
"You hear, captain, the herd is ours?"
"Good! This night it will start for the hacienda."
"When do you propose leaving, senores?"
"As soon as our business is settled here, general. We are anxious torejoin our friend."
"In an hour the bill of exchange will be ready."
Valentine bowed.
"Still," the general continued, "you will be good enough to tell DonLouis that I regard myself as his debtor, and if ever he come to SonoraI will prove it."
"Possibly he may soon arrive," the hunter replied, with a side glance atDona Angela, who blushed.
"I hope so; and now, gentlemen, I am at your service. If I can be of anyuse to you, remember that you can always apply to me."
"Receive my thanks, general."
After exchanging a few more words they parted. In passing Dona Angela,Valentine bowed respectfully.
"Don Louis still has your reliquary," he muttered in so low a voice thatshe guessed the words rather than heard them.
"Thank you," she answered; "you are kind."
"She loves Louis," Valentine said to himself as he returned to thecuarto, accompanied by Don Cornelio.
"The man is a fool to refuse a profit of 5000 piastres," the generalsaid to Don Isidro so soon as he found himself alone with him.
"Perhaps so," the latter replied thoughtfully; "but I fancy he is anenemy."
The general shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, not deigning toattach the slightest importance to this insinuation.
The same evening Valentine and his two companions left San Jose, andproceeded toward Guaymas, without seeing Dona Angela or the generalagain.