The _veedor_ piped a curse, then controlled himself and went on with a smile of forced amiability. "I mean it is not all I have to say, Pedro. In a few days—or less—I hope to share thy happiness." "My happiness!" exclaimed Pedro, mystified. "Oh, I see! The Señor is going to turn cook." "Damnation!" squeaked the _veedor_; then stifling his rage, he continued: "No, no! Not that. By thy happiness I mean thine _inamorada_, the Señora Bolio——" "Oh, blessed saints!" interrupted Pedro. "Thou wouldst share my happiness in the Señora? Take it all, Señor! Take the whole of her. By heaven, I’ll send her up entire! Wait but an hour." He started to turn his mule. "Stop, fool!" choked the exasperated _veedor_; and grasping at a rein, narrowly escaped a kick. He sprang out of range with a gasp. "Well," said Pedro, complacently, "I gave thee warning, Señor. But hast more to say?" It was a minute before Rogelio regained his speech. "Yes!" he shrilled. "Perdition! Yes! If thou wilt but hold thy tongue!" "_Bueno_! I listen. Proceed, Señor _Veedor_." Rogelio drew near again and said, with difficulty, forcing a grin: "Now, in the devil’s name, give heed; and forbear to fly off the bowstring until I have finished! What I’ve tried to get into thy pate is this. In a few days I shall have a guest, Pedro." He looked cautiously about and whispered, "A maiden, my friend—the fairest heathen in the land. I’ll not say her name—he, he!—that shall be a secret. But, I would have a woman servant—one worthy of dependence, dost mark? Canst find me one? Thou ’rt known to the townsfolk, and I am not. What sayst? There will be some moderate compensation for thy time and trouble, Pedro,—moderate, mind thee, for I am a poor man; though," he looked about again, "I’ll tell thee this, once I have her safe, there will be treasure untold at my command—Ah! Hum!—That is, Pedro, a fair sum—rather small, in fact—little more than enough for my requirements, for I have a fam——" He stopped short, snuffled, and went on hastily, "I’ll pay thee, Pedro. Wilt find me a servant?" Pedro concealed both his contempt and his suddenly roused interest, and after brief scrutiny of the tallowy face and protuberant eyes, looked away. "Why," he drawled, "for the time it hath taken thee to get it out, ’t is a simple matter. Doubtless I can find a woman. I’ll look about." "Do so, my worthy friend," said Rogelio, rubbing his hands. "It will be worth thy while." "No doubt," answered Pedro. "_Adiós_, Señor." He rode away. "Dolt, lunk-head, clod-pate!" muttered Rogelio, looking viciously after him.