down stairs to meet the
soldier, and by them he was shown to the only room in the house which,
it seemed, was disposable, the room occupied by Pepe Rey.

"Let them settle themselves as best they can," said Dona Perfecta, with
an expression of gall and vinegar. "And if they have not room enough,
let them go into the street."

Was it her intention to annoy in this way her detested nephew, or was
there really no other unoccupied room in the house? This we do not know,
nor do the chronicles from which this true history is taken say a word
on this important point. What we know positively is that, far from
displeasing the two guests to be thus boxed up together, it gave them
great pleasure, as they happened to be old friends. They were greatly
surprised and delighted when they met, and they were never tired of
asking each other questions and uttering exclamations, dwelling on the
strange chance that had brought them together in such a place and on
such an occasion.

"Pinzon--you here! Why, what is this? I had no suspicion that you were
in this neighborhood."

"I heard that you were in this part of the country, Pepe; but I had no
idea, either, that I should meet you in this horrible, this barbarous
Orbajosa."

"But what a fortunate chance! For this chance is most
fortunate--providential. Pinzon, between us both we are going to do a
great thing in this wretched town."

"And we shall have time enough to consult about it," answered the other,
seating himself on the bed in which the engineer was lying, "for it
appears that we are both to occupy this room. What the devil sort of a
house is this?"

"Why, man, it is my aunt's. Speak with more respect about it. Have you
not met my aunt? But I am going to get up."

"I am very glad of it, for then I can lie down and rest; and badly I
need it. What a road, friend Pepe, what a road, and what a town!"

"Tell me, have you come to set fire to Orbajosa?"

"Fire!"

"I ask you because, in that case, I might help you."

"What a town! But what a town!" exclaimed the soldier, removing his
shako, and laying aside sword and shoulder-belt, travelling case and
cloak. "This is the second time they have sent us here. I swear to you
that the third time I will ask my discharge."

"Don't talk ill of these good people! But you have come in the nick of
time. It seems as if Providence has sent you to my aid, Pinzon. I have a
terrible project on hand, an adventure,--a plot, if you wish to cal