Don Luis listened to this long story with considerable doubts as to the truth of the greater part of it, yet it was so in accordance with the ideas and customs of the times, that he could not altogether discredit it; he therefore answered, "I must thank you, Senhor Frade, for the trouble you have taken in my service; and I beg you to inform your holy friend that I will repair to his hermitage to-morrow morning, and will take the amount agreed on to release the jewels." "Then you will not trust me with the money, senhor?" said the Friar, smiling. "Patience--I am not easily offended, and take it all in good part; but do not forget the additional twenty milreas; and if you happen to have a little spare cash about you to bestow on an humble and indigent servant of the Church, I shall be thankful, and will not forget you in my prayers; for I have come a long distance to serve you, and have put more trust in your honour than you seem inclined to place in mine." "I will pay you for the ring, Senhor Frade," said Don Luis, who could not help being amused at the imperturbable impudence of the friar; "though you seem to forget certain incidents which occurred at the inn, on my journey here,--not to mention others on the previous day." "Now, now, you ought not to rake up old grievances," answered the Friar. "It is not charitable; and charity is the first of Christian virtues, you well know. Besides, you cannot deny that I have served you faithfully." "I will not refuse you," said Don Luis, bestowing all the silver he had about him, "you argue so logically to gain your point. I trust that you will not play me false." "Confide in the honour of a Capuchin," said the Friar, putting his hand to his heart. "May we meet again under happier auspices than those by which we became acquainted; and, believe me, I am grateful for your bounty. Adeos, senhor! It is growing dark, and I have a long way to go before I rest; but an humble friar has nought to fear." "Farewell, my friend!" said Don Luis. "I certainly have met none like you." "Oh, you flatter--you flatter," was the answer. "Do not, however, forget your friend. Diogo Lopez is my name,--an humble one at present; but it may become some day well-known to the world. Adeos, adeos, senhor!" Don Luis, without further parley, re-entered the Quinta, and, for some minutes, he fancied that he could hear the quiet chuckle of the friar echoing in his ears.