barrassment," said I, "and I forgive your error; and
now to business. I have several visits to pay in this neighborhood; my
people may not arrive for a day or two; and I cannot afford the delay of
waiting for them. Can you tell if there be anything suitable in the
way of equipage for a man of rank to be had here? Something simple, of
course, as befitting the place,--a plain carriage, with four mules,--if
Andalusian, all the better; two lazadores, or outriders, will be
sufficient, as I wish to avoid display; the liveries and equipment may
be plain also."

"There is at this moment, Senhor, the open carriage of the late
Gobernador of Guajuaqualla to be sold,--he had not used it when he was
called away by death: that and his six mules,--not Andalusian, it
is true, but of the black breed of the Habannah,--are now at your
Excellency's disposal."

"And the price," said I, not seeming to notice the half-impertinent
smile that curled his lip as he spoke.

"Three thousand crowns, Senhor,--less than half their cost."

"A mere trifle," said I, carelessly, "if the carriage please me.

"Your Excellency can see it in the court beneath."

I followed the Jew as he led the way into the open "cour," and, after
passing across it, we entered a spacious building, where, amidst a whole
hospital of ruined and dilapidated caleches, carres, and wagons, stood a
most beautiful britscka, evidently imitated from some London or Parisian
model. It was of a dark chocolate color, with rich linings of pale-blue
silk. The arms of the late Gobernador were to have been painted on
the doors, but fortunately were not begun when he died, so that the
"carroza" seemed in every respect a private one. The Jew next showed
me the team of mules, magnificent animals of fifteen and half hands in
height, and in top condition. The harness and housings were all equally
splendid and suitable.

"If your Excellency does not deem them unworthy of you," said he, with a
smile of most treacherous meaning, "they are certainly a great bargain.
I have myself advanced fifteen hundred piastres upon them."

"I'll take them," said I, curtly; "and now for the servants."

"The coachman and a few lacqueys are here still, your Excellency; but
their liveries had not been ordered when the sad event occurred."

"Send the first tailor in the place to my apartment," said I; "and if
there be a diamond merchant or a gem valuer here, let him come also."

"I am myself a dealer in precio