't
seek to take advantage of my ignorance; you are a true gentleman. Tell
me where I could sell these things.'

''You could find no one to buy them in this country; they must be sent
either to Europe or New-York.'

''The devil! that upsets my plans. I know no one in Europe, no one in
New-York; besides, I can neither read nor write; I should be cheated on
all hands. Is there no way to settle this business between ourselves?
Listen, now: I will agree not only to accompany Senor Pride as his
guide, but to do all the work when we arrive at our destination, on
condition that he pays me two thousand dollars for every trip we make.
What do you say to my proposition?'

''That it is Senor Pride who must answer you, not I.'

XI.

'Obeying the injunction laid upon him by Adele, Mr. Livermore affected
to demur at the high price placed by Pepito on his cooperation, but
finally appeared to yield to our joint solicitation.

''Well, then, the bargain is closed,' said Pepito, smiling. 'Now I can
understand why Pedro was so anxious to have me betray my trust. Oh! how
delighted I am to think he will find I have left him in the lurch.'

''Senor Pepito,' said Adele, with a most winning smile, 'do you happen
to know a family residing some short distance from this city, who, in
consideration of a liberal compensation, would not object to take a lady
to board with them?'

''I do, Senora, at Toluca.'

''How far is it from here?'

''Twelve or fourteen leagues.'

'' Are you intimate enough with the family to take me there to-morrow,
without previously informing them of my intention?'

''Certainly; the lady I allude to is my sister.'

''Then to-morrow morning early, at seven, say. But Senor Pepito, I had
forgotten to warn you that in escorting me you will run a great danger.'

''Oh! I am not afraid of the robbers on the road; they know me well, and
never molest me.'

''It is not of robbers that I stand in dread.'

''Of what, then?'

''Of a man--an enemy who hates me with a deadly hatred, and who, I fear,
seeks my life.'

''A man--_one_ man--and he seeks your life; well, well, I should like
to meet him face to face,' exclaimed Pepito.

''Then, Senor, you promise to protect me at any risk?'

''Protect you! _yes_,' replied he with vehemence, 'I pledge you my
honor, my body, and my soul. I will face the bravest of the brave, to
defend you from injury.'

''From my heart of hearts I thank you, Pepito,' said Mr. Livermore, '