The guide returned just as he had concluded speaking. Dishonesty
is always suspicious. The fellow cast a glance upon us, and
probably beholding in our countenances something which he did not
like, he suddenly said, "Give me the horse-hire and my own propina,
for Perico and I wish to be off instantly."
"How is this?" said I; "I thought you and Perico were both
fatigued, and wished to rest here for the night; you have soon
recovered from your weariness."
"I have thought over the matter," said the fellow, "and my master
will be angry if I loiter here: pay us, therefore, and let us go."
"Certainly," said I, "if you wish it. Is the horse furniture all
right?"
"Quite so," said he; "I delivered it all to your servant."
"It is all here," said Antonio, "with the exception of the leathern
girth."
"I have not got it," said the guide.
"Of course not," said I. "Let us proceed to the stable, we shall
perhaps find it there."
To the stable we went, which we searched through: no girth,
however, was forthcoming. "He has got it buckled round his middle
beneath his pantaloons, mon maitre," said Antonio, whose eyes were
moving about like those of a lynx; "I saw the protuberance as he
stooped down.
