“I thank you for your good will but I see no means of taking advantage of it.” “See Paco, let us speak frankly; notwithstanding your assertion that you are content with your situation, I cannot believe it; the fact is that you are very proud, that you do not care to ask anything from anyone; that is all right with strangers, but when I, your school-fellow and friend, anticipate your desires and offer----” “I thank you and beg you to respect my freedom of action.” “What a hard-shell you are! Come, consent to this anyway--separate yourself from the _Independiente_; I promise to supply resources for you to found a paper of your own, which will bring you at least double what Don Marcos can pay you, and also to secure you a grant to aid you in your studies, and, if you desire more, you shall have more.” “But, truly, I desire nothing; I owe consideration to Don Marcos and cannot treat him cavalierly,” said Paco, at the same time saying to himself, “Oho, now I see!” “You are fearfully stubborn,” said the Chango, “but you are your own master and I will not insist further; but, now, I come to one favor, begging you affectionately, in the name of our old friendship, to grant it; do not continue to discuss, in your bulletins, the objectionable question upon which you have been writing.” “In my soul, I regret that I cannot gratify you, since I have resolved to examine that matter in all its aspects.” “You are more tenacious than a Biscayan! Don’t you understand that in this you do me a personal injury and expose me to public criticism?” “I do not see why? I have never mentioned your name, nor shall I mention it; nor are you responsible for that contract.” “Don’t be a ninny; although you do not mention me by name; although, legally, you do not treat of me; yet the odium of the transaction falls on me.” “Whether the part you play is odious or not, I am not to blame; you have chosen it freely. You act, and I judge. We are both within our rights.” “In fine, Paco, if you continue to write as heretofore, you do me an injury, you attack me.” “That is not my intention, nor do I believe it the necessary result of my procedure.” “Of course, if you attack me, you give me the right to defend myself.” “Granted,” answered Paco, coldly. “And you know that I have many means of doing it?” “I know it and they have no terrors for me.” “Paco, you despise me,” said the Chango with annoyance. “No, I merely answer you,” replied Paco, coldly. “For the last time I will sum up the situation. If you consent to withdraw from the _Independiente_ you shall have whatever advantages you desire that I can give you; you shall have the same if you consent, at least, to speak no more of the contract. Do you agree?” “I have already said no,” replied Paco with dignity.