Read Ebook: The Life and Adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache or the Spanish Rogue vol. 3/3 by Alem N Mateo Brady John Henry Translator Le Sage Alain Ren Translator

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"I think," said I to Sayavedra, "that we ought without delay to go to Bologna. I have some idea that we shall there meet Alexander Bentivoglio, and if it be our good luck to find him, I do not doubt but by composition, or a law suit, I shall get part of my property again." My confidant confirmed me in my opinion, by saying; "let us hire horses then, and set off to Bologna; but give me leave, if you please, to remind you of the danger I shall run in appearing in that town. I am fully of opinion as well as you that Alexander is there, and if unluckily for me, he should see me there, he will be anxious to know what brought me to Bologna, and as sure as he discovers that we came together, he will suspect your design and either run away himself, or get me assassinated. This is not all," added he; "I cannot be of any use to you in the business, without running the risk of my own neck; since I must suffer myself to be committed to prison; and once confined, shall never get out again, except by a special dispensation from heaven."

I approved of Sayavedra's reasons, and we agreed that he should not appear in the streets of Bologna, but keep as closely concealed as he could in the inn where we should take up our lodging, and not meddle in the law-suit, in case I should institute any. After all, I did not imagine his testimony would be necessary to help me to get my thief compelled to restore at least part of my property. My confidant, pleased with this agreement, professed himself quite ready to follow me. We set off immediately on common hacks, and the next day towards evening we reached Bologna. We alighted at an inn, where I found some strangers brought to that town by their several occupations. I supped with them, and retired pretty early into a neat little room which Sayavedra had bespoke for me. I slept very little, all my thoughts being taken up about that rogue Alexander, and I rose early in the morning to inquire at once if he was not in the country. I went out by myself, and walked for a quarter of an hour about the streets. As I was passing before the great church, I cast my eyes upon five or six young fellows who were at the door, and I observed one among them whose coat impressed me with a strong suspicion that he was the man I was looking for. I at first mistrusted my eyes, but after a long examination, I knew for certainty that it was the coat which a Neapolitan officer had made me a present of, to whom I had been serviceable in speaking to my Lord Ambassador in his behalf.

I was so enraged at seeing this rascal bedecked in my finery, that it was with some difficulty I could restrain myself from running him through with my sword; but as his good luck would have it, or perhaps mine rather, my more reasonable thoughts prevented me. "Softly," said I to myself, "be not too hasty: let the gaol-bird live, and he may then possibly pay his debts; but if you kill him you will certainly be as much the sufferer as he. Besides those young fellows that are standing by him will of course take his part; and even if they should not interfere, remember that he has the reputation of a bully, and you may not have fair play. At all events, instead of plaintiff, you would become defendant." Having thus fully convinced myself of the folly of exposing myself by such an action, which would have made my journey fruitless at least, if not fatal; I returned to the inn, and asked my landlord if he could recommend me an experienced lawyer. He answered in the affirmative, and immediately sent for one who lived in the neighbourhood, and who, considering his profession, was a tolerably honest man. I first inquired of this gentleman, whether he knew one Alexander Bentivoglio, son of a solicitor of the same name? He replied, "that there were very few who did not know both father and son." I then asked, "if he was any relation or friend to them?" "No, thank God!" answered he with some haste; "I should be very sorry to have any such relations or friends."

My Solicitor soon returned, but his looks showed that his answer was not satisfactory, and I could easily perceive, that his trouble had been in vain. He told me, that the haughty lawyer had used him very ill; that so far from agreeing to any terms of accommodation, he said that he felt his honour wounded, and was so offended at such a proposal, that he insisted that I was the thief, and his son the person who had been robbed, and ended his discourse with the most violent threats against me. I resolved then, since I was compelled to do it, to implore the help of justice. The Solicitor, good man, prayed to be excused; for his undertaking the cause would be the ruin of himself and family, the father of my adversary having threatened to send them all to the hospital, if he knew that either directly or indirectly he gave me the least assistance. "Recommend me then, at least," said I, "to some able lawyer." He was in doubt whether he would even oblige me so far as this, so great was his dread of the Bentivoglio's; but observing that I pulled some money out of my pocket to pay him for his trouble, he named a counsellor of great experience and probity; and what was more, a secret enemy of my adversary's, but he desired me not to mention who had directed me to him.

I went accordingly to this gentleman, told him my case, and how I had been robbed at Sienna. As soon as I had finished, he said, the whole city of Bologna was already informed of this adventure. Alexander returned home laden with clothes, which, it was reported he had won of a young Spaniard at Rome, but it was well understood at what game he must have played to get them. "Do not lose time, added he; carry on the business briskly; I do not doubt that justice will be done to you, in spite of all the exertion of old Bentivoglio to the contrary." I replied, "that I depended entirely on his integrity and capacity, putting myself and my cause into his hands, not doubting that he would act in the business so that I should have no occasion to repent of having come to Bologna." He assured me, that he would do his best; and that I had only to take a walk in the town, and call upon him three hours after; which I did. When I returned, I found my declaration ready drawn, with a true recital of the case, arranged much to my satisfaction.

The Auditor of the Tower, or Judge in criminal cases.

Had I dispatched a man express to Sienna for a copy of the allegations mentioned in my declaration, I could not have had an answer in so short a time.

"Is it possible?" said I, in a tone expressive enough of my indignation; "sure we are not at present in a country of barbarians." "Yes, worse than barbarians," said he, "for among them, justice is administered according to the law of nature, but here we have no law at all. I repeat it again," continued he, "my advice is, that you tarry no longer in a part of the world where the chief magistrates are so little scrupulous as to make the guilty pass for innocent, and treat the innocent as guilty." I promised my lawyer that the very next day I would follow his advice. I thanked him for the pains and trouble he had been at, and pulled out my purse to recompense him, but he declined taking any thing from me. "You have lost enough already," said he, "if I were to take any fee from you, I should deserve, I think, to be considered as one of those whom you have to complain of. Besides, I wish, that in quitting the city of Bologna, you may be convinced that though rogues are abundant, yet there are a few men of honour to be found in it."

I returned to my lodging, mightily pleased with the frank proceeding of my lawyer, and found Sayavedra in no small fear, lest I should sacrifice him to recover my goods. Undoubtedly, if I had produced him in Court, it would at once have defeated the arts of old Bentivoglio; but it never entered into my heart to be guilty of such a piece of treachery. I had forgiven him, and since that time he had served me so faithfully, that he left me no occasion to remember what he had done. I told him that our law-suit was finished, though no judgment had been given upon it; that we had but to seek our fortune elsewhere, and that, as I intended to set out for Milan the next day very early in the morning, he had nothing to do but to hire post-horses, and prepare every thing for our journey. I had scarcely finished giving these orders to Sayavedra, when there entered the inn a great number of bailiffs and bailiffs' followers,--a trade the devil would not be of. They made no more ado, but took me by the collar and hauled me off to prison. I asked for what I was committed, and what I had done to merit such usage? I was answered I should know in good time; which I did indeed, and found that it was for the crime of having been robbed, and that I should be very lucky if I got out of prison by being sent to the galleys. That Counsellor Bentivoglio, in order to punish me for my insolence in bringing an action against his son, and presenting petitions that were looked upon as defamatory libels against the nobility of his family, and more particularly against Signor Alexander, whose morals and good manners were so well known in the city of Bologna, had obtained from the justice of the Auditor a warrant to arrest me, until I should be adjudged a punishment suitable to my rashness.

This notable accusation took up a whole sheet of paper, and all the while I read it I raised my hands and eyes towards Heaven with looks of astonishment, to the great amusement of the jailor and his companions, who laughed heartily in their sleeves at me. I remained two or three days without seeing any body but the keeper and his men, who wantonly insulted me, and made me their laughing-stock. This place appeared to me to be the true picture of Hell. I should have been starved had I not had money, and as it was, I paid for what I had at least three times its value. In addition to this, I was obliged to keep on terms with the jailor, who, out of an excess of civility, constantly visited me at my meals, eat up half of what I had paid for, and afterwards had the impudence to say he did not honour any other prisoner so much as to give him his company.

Sayavedra, who, for the reasons I have before mentioned, dared not appear in the town to solicit for me, employed my landlord, who, moved with compassion to see me so ill used, went to my lawyer to prevail upon him not to give me up to the wickedness of my enemies. This counsellor, like a charitable and generous man, indignant at the tyranny that was exercised, in contempt of the laws, against a helpless stranger, again espoused my cause, to get me out of the clutches of these robbers; and, to avoid an ignominious sentence, he advised me to consent to an accommodation proposed to me by the adverse party, and which I shall not fail here to mention. They made me sign a paper containing in substance a recantation of my charge against Signor Bentivoglio, and a declaration, drawn up in excellent form, that I knew this same Signor to be a very honest gentleman, of a moral life and irreproachable honour, begging his pardon for having accused him of so foul an action, and stating that what I had done was at the instigation of some enemies of his, having myself no manner of cause of complaint against him.

These were the honourable means they found to accommodate the parties. I had no sooner signed this declaration against my honour and my conscience than I was discharged; and, in truth, what would not I have written? What would not a man say or do to get out of prison? Those who know what it is to live in such a place will excuse me for having proclaimed a thief to be an honest man for the sake of my liberty. I repaired immediately to my inn, where I found Sayavedra in a most disconsolate state of mind, much doubting whether the application of my solicitor, and the scandalous reports in the town concerning my imprisonment, would prevail so far as to extricate me from confinement. This dear confidant was overjoyed to see me, whom he did not in the least expect. The gentlemen who lodged at the inn were just going to sit down to dinner. As soon as they saw me enter, they all embraced me, and wished me joy of my enlargement, telling me how much they had been concerned at my misfortune. During dinner the whole discourse ran upon my judges, and Heaven knows they did not spare them. For my part I spoke of them with a great deal of prudence, for fear of some new accident.

Dinner being over, I ordered Sayavedra to hire horses for Milan, whither I intended to proceed the next day; for, after what had happened to me at Bologna, that place had now become more unpleasant and dangerous to me than Florence. Whilst my squire was gone to execute this commission, I called upon my lawyer again, and offered him my purse, but, still carrying on his generosity, he declined it, telling me that all he wished of me was to be persuaded that he regretted nothing so much as his inability to obtain me justice. I replied, that I felt as much obliged to him as if he had obtained for me a restitution of all I had lost; and we parted with the most sincere protestations of service and friendship.

I now, however, told him that, as he well knew, I could have no other object than that of gain, and that if he was acquainted with an infallible mode of always playing with success, I should be glad to learn it of him; and that if even there were a little spice of knavery in it, it were surely pardonable in the present deplorable condition of my finances. He was charmed in his turn at my apparent readiness to submit to his instructions. "I need only give you one lesson," said he, "to enable you to get all the money at the table. I shall watch my opportunities to take a turn round the room, either to snuff the candles, or to bring you a glass of wine; meantime I shall see what cards your adversaries hold, which I can easily communicate to you by signs agreed upon between us." Sayavedra having thus instructed me, I agreed with him that I should be a fool indeed were I lose with such an assistant. We agreed then upon our signs, and my preceptor did not fail to perceive that he had a very apt scholar in me.

About supper time I repaired to the parlour, where the two fortunate players were already in waiting. My neighbour, the young lawyer, soon arrived, and we all sat down to table. During the whole of the repast, this young gentleman, melancholy as he was at heart, used every effort to appear gay, talked a great deal, drank the healths of all present, and affected the utmost good humour. After supper his two opponents proposed cards, and as they were taking their seats, the young lawyer said: "Gentlemen, I trust you will not object to play with me for thirty pistoles on my honour, having to-morrow a very considerable sum to receive." At these words the Frenchman pulled a long face, and said nothing; and his companion declared at once, that he played with no one upon credit: that he had taken an oath to that effect, having always remarked that it brought him ill-luck. "Very well, gentlemen," replied the other, "have but a little patience, and I will run to a merchant whom I was not so fortunate as to find at home in the morning, who will in a moment lend me whatever I want. The two gentlemen answered that he would be sure to find them in the parlour if he returned before midnight."

It was now my turn to speak; addressing myself therefore to the two gentlemen who remained, I suggested, that if agreeable to them I should not object to make a third hand until the return of their comrade: that I would instantly give up my place to him should he rejoin the party, as having determined to leave that place very early the next morning, I could not have the pleasure of their company long. The gentlemen, who judged from my physiognomy that I could have but little knowledge of the game, answered, with joy, that they should esteem it an honour. While they were preparing the cards, I called to Sayavedra to bring me some money. He threw our whole stock, which was about thirty pistoles, on the table with a careless air, telling me he would go up stairs and get more if I thought I should require it. I replied that it was quite sufficient, for that I should think of retiring to bed when that was lost.

We were soon in a proper train. Sayavedra seated himself in a chair near the fire-place, and remained there by my orders to be in readiness to wait upon us. Being rather lucky in the onset, I soon got a hundred crowns in my pocket, without the least chicanery. This looks well, thought I, and if unfortunately for me he should return with his purse replenished, I shall not have occupied his seat for nothing. My good luck seemed to vex my adversaries exceedingly, who, fearing lest I should retire to bed, as I continually kept threatening to do, in order to irritate them the more, proposed to double the stakes. I made no objection, and a moment after, seeing that now was the time, I called to Sayavedra, "Wake up you lazy dog," said I, "have you nothing to do but to sleep there? give me a glass of wine directly." He rose up with the most innocent air possible, pretended to be but half awake, and in pouring out a glass of wine, enabled me by his signals to pocket fifteen of my opponents' pistoles in a twinkling. My fund was now considerably increased; but to keep up the plan we had agreed upon, I allowed them to win some of this back again, though I might easily have added to my gains.

To say the truth, with my own knowledge of the tricks of the game, I might easily have emptied the purses of these gentlemen, who were by no means good players. It must, however, be confessed that I won their money much quicker with Sayavedra's assistance, especially when it was not my turn to shuffle the cards. At last, I found myself master of all the money that had been spread upon the table, and said, "Gentlemen, it is very late; you know that I have a right to retire: nevertheless, that you may not think that I wish to carry off your money, and take an undue advantage, let us play again to-morrow, and I will not set off as I intended, though I have already hired horses for that purpose." Nothing being more capable of consoling losers than the hope of having their revenge, they pressed me no longer to continue the game that night, and we accordingly separated, each taking the way to his own room, they fearing that I should break my word, and I fully determined to keep it.

Joy of having won so much money, and the agitation of my spirits caused by the game, prevented me for a long time from tasting the sweets of sleep. Happily, however, nothing but agreeable images occupied my thoughts. It was very different with my unfortunate neighbour, who had returned from the city without having been able to raise any money, and, not daring to shew his face in the parlour, had sneaked to bed full of rage and shame. I heard him sigh most bitterly, and tossing himself in bed from one side to the other. I was delighted in having avenged his cause to my own profit; but what is strange, felt no longer any compassion for him, as though he was less to be pitied because I had got his money. So true it is that we commiserate the misfortunes which we do not cause, but are insensible to those which are advantageous to ourselves.

The next morning my two gaming friends were particularly anxious to ascertain of the servants whether I was gone or not, and were much pleased when they learnt that I had really postponed my departure. They were afraid that I should escape them, while on the other hand nothing was less in my thoughts than to leave them without making myself master of the remainder of their money; but to increase their anxiety, I did not make my appearance in the parlour until dinner time. Without appearing to take any notice of them, I soon perceived, even during our meal, how eager they were to return to the attack with me; meantime I affected a coldness and indolence, the better to persuade them that it was purely out of complaisance that I was willing to give them their revenge.

No sooner was dinner over than cards were brought in, and my two champions, to shew that they were well provided for the contest, drew out a long purse each, well stored with good pistoles and Spanish doubloons, which they threw on the table, saying, "Behold, signor cavalier, what you will no doubt carry off to-morrow with you." Little did they think how truly they said this! We took our places then, and the game commenced. It was my intention to lose at this point, so that I had no occasion for Sayavedra. It being by no means my intention that they should win much of me, I manoeuvred it so well that I lost but about forty crowns after dinner, when the Frenchman proposed to play higher. "No," said I, "we have played now for a long time; let us therefore rest a little, and we shall then be better able to devote a part of the night to this religious pastime."

The hope they entertained of treating me still worse, or rather of ruining me, enabled them to keep up their patience until after supper. On my side my intentions towards them were not a whit more charitable, which I soon made appear when we set to again. Fortune was at first rather adverse, but with my own skill and the assistance of my faithful squire, I soon obliged her to declare herself for me, and my gentlemen soon lost all their doubloons, which were transferred from their purses into mine. After which, leaving the game to go to their chambers, they told me that if I should be in the humour to give them another game the next day, they should not be afraid of me. I answered that I should like nothing better, and that they would find me always ready to accommodate them.

I then retired to my own chamber with my confidant, who immediately prepared to undress me, but I prevented him. "It is no time now to enjoy rest," said I; "it is too late to enjoy the comfort of reposing between two sheets at this inn. I intend to depart hence without beat of drum as soon as possible." Sayavedra reminded me that I had first promised the gentlemen to play another game with them. "I have not forgotten," replied I, "that I made such a promise; but I am not such a fool as to think of keeping it. Imagine to yourself the dangers I should expose myself to, by remaining any longer in this city. If it was in the power of the thieves to get me imprisoned, after having themselves robbed me, what may I not reasonably fear from honest folks who have real cause to accuse me of roguery? We have already won above six hundred crowns. Let us be content, therefore, and betake ourselves to a place of safety as soon as possible. Have you not hired horses?" "Undoubtedly," answered he, "I have paid their master for their day's work, and they will be in waiting for us by break of day." "So much the better," replied I, "for I shall not consider my purse in safety till I am at least ten good leagues from this place." My confidant left me to enjoy a few minutes' rest, well pleased to hear that we were possessed of so considerable a booty, and flattering himself with the sweet hope of having some part of it for his share. He was not, however, without some anxiety on this point when he recalled to mind the history of my trunks, which he feared was too recent a transaction to have so soon escaped my memory.

As soon as he heard the least noise in the house, and imagined the servants were stirring, he returned to my chamber, where he found me quite ready for starting. In fact, I had not so much as reclined upon the bed the whole night, but was most agreeably occupied in counting my treasure, putting the gold on one side, and the silver on the other, and in packing up as expeditiously as possible our little property. We soon settled with the landlord, and gained the spot where our horses were in waiting. The city gates were scarcely opened before we found ourselves in the country. Never was so lovely a morning. At any other time I should have admired its charms, but in the agitated state of my spirits the beauty of the day was very indifferent to me. My object was to get over the ground, imagining every moment that the hounds of justice would be up with me, and re-conduct me to the prisons of Bologna, there to compel me to restore the money I had so dexterously possessed myself of. I turned round every moment to see if any one was following us, and when I perceived a gentleman behind trotting faster than we were, my heart beat, my colour changed, and I did not recover myself until he fairly passed us on the road. So true is it, that every criminal carries about with him his own punishment.

I became by degrees more tranquil, and when we had travelled about four leagues, felt but little fear remaining. Breaking the silence which both my companion and I had kept till that moment: "Are you not tired, Sayavedra," said I, "of thus travelling like two Carthusian friars? For my part, I feel quite absorbed in idle meditation. Let us talk. Tell me some story which may enliven us." "Signor Don Guzman," said he, "you will, I am sure, be ready to allow that it much better becomes him who has plenty of money in his pocket to tell merry stories, than him who has not a sous wherewith to bless himself." "I understand you, my friend," answered I, smiling; "but I assure you, that at dinner time we will come to a reckoning, and I trust you will not have cause to be dissatisfied." "How you catch at every joke I pass," replied he, laughing aloud; "I protest that I had not such a thought, knowing full well that in serving you I have done but my duty, for which I am amply paid in the pleasure of having assisted you in fleecing those two gulls of their doubloons." The disinterestedness which Sayavedra assumed, whether real or false, pleased me exceedingly; and it being by no means my intention to baulk him of the remuneration due to him for his signs, I made him a present of twenty pistoles, as soon as we arrived at a little inn where we stopped to dine.

We remounted our horses, after having made a much better meal than we expected on entering so inconsiderable an inn; and, far from preserving the silence we had kept up all the morning, we conversed on various subjects. Amongst the rest I chanced to ask Sayavedra how he first became an adventurer. He answered, that the only way to satisfy my curiosity was to relate to me the history of his life. I assured him, that it would afford me great pleasure to hear his adventures, and, without any more ceremony, he began in these terms:

"Though I told you at Rome that I was born at Seville, it was not the truth. Valencia was in reality my native place, where perhaps may be found more rogues than in any other city in Spain; because it is a place which abounds with good things, and rich countries seldom produce honest men. My father was certainly only a commoner, but of that sort of citizens who pretend to hold up their heads with the nobility. Having lost his wife whom he loved tenderly, he took it so much to heart, that he did not long survive her. He left two sons; and these two sons, of whom I was the younger, sold all his property, which was but trifling, and divided its produce equally. After which my brother asked me what plans I had in my head. I confessed to him candidly, that my ruling passion was to travel. And mine also, said he. I have always taken pleasure in any accounts of foreign countries, and long extremely to see how people live who were not born in Spain. Both led on thus by the force of our stars, or rather, perhaps by our own evil propensities, we set off together one fine morning from Valencia, each with a small parcel under his arm.

"We had not travelled above a league, when my brother said to me: a thought has just entered my head. We are about to abandon ourselves to fortune, and as we cannot know in what manner she may treat us, we may hereafter find ourselves in situations where our greatest pain may be that we are known, and that our real names may be covered with infamy. To prevent this misfortune, let us change them. I approved of this idea, and we soon found ourselves fresh names. My brother took that of Mateo Lujan, and as I recollected that the most illustrious in Seville was that of Sayavedra, I assumed that name, which I have passed by ever since. Being decked out with these fine titles then," continued he, "we began to think of the route we should take. I had declared my wish to pass into Italy, and my brother testified the same desire; but changing his mind all of a sudden, he took it into his head to go to France. The dispute ran so high between us on the subject, that on arriving at cross roads, one of which led to Saragossa and the other to Barcelona, my brother took the former, and I the latter, wishing each other every sort of happiness and prosperity. After this fraternal separation, I repaired to Barcelona, intending, as well as a great many other persons who were waiting there with the same design, to take my passage by the galleys. They did not arrive, however, until above a month after; during which time I dressed handsomely, sought the best company, and young Signor Sayavedra was extremely well received every where. He gamed, gave entertainments, and did not fail to devote some portion of his time to love. In short I made so merry during this interval, that when the galleys arrived, and my debts were paid, I embarked with six pistoles only in my pocket. We arrived safely at Genoa, where, finding a vessel on the point of sailing for Naples, I would not lose so good an opportunity, and the wind being extremely favourable, we made but a short voyage of it.

"But without vanity, my abilities were of too superior a kind to confine myself to these little tricks, and I certainly performed two or three which were considered master-pieces. I must relate one of them to you. The Lord High Constable's house was the rendezvous of every person of quality, who assembled there of an evening to play. I had already been once in this house while the game had been going on, and had observed every thing with a curious eye. I had particularly noticed that on each of the tables there stood two handsome silver candlesticks with wax lights, and I determined to think of some expedient by which I could possess myself of a pair of them. With this view I bought a pair of pewter ones of about the same height, with two wax candles in them. I managed to get these very conveniently into my pocket, and one evening having dressed myself so that I might pass for a boy belonging to one of the gentlemen of the party, I stole to the high Constable's house, and posted myself at the door of a small room where two young gentlemen only were at play. I perceived with pleasure that all the pages of the house were engaged in the other rooms, which appeared to be full of company. My two players continued engaged together for a long time, and their candles being almost burnt out seemed to require fresh ones. I seized this favourable moment, and drawing from my pocket my pewter candlesticks, I lighted my wax candles by the lamp on the staircase, and entered the room in which the two gentlemen were with a most respectful bow, and with my two candlesticks in my hand. These I placed boldly on the table in the place of the two silver ones, which I carried off under my cloak after having extinguished them. I then ran as fast as my legs would carry me to our captain, who was the receiver-general of our stolen goods, a very grave personage, and who passed in the city as a very honest man. He acted both as a protector and a lawyer towards us when we happened to be caught in a trap: and out of gratitude we gave him a fifth part of the produce of all the thefts we committed.

"Another time I performed a still more desperate trick. I happened to be passing one morning before a house which appeared to be the residence of some man of opulence, and which turned out afterwards to be really the case. The door being open I walked in. I entered two or three rooms on the same floor, without meeting any one, and I perceived, on the table of the last, a complete new lady's dress of the finest velvet. I deposited this without ceremony under my cloak, and in two jumps was in the hall again; but unfortunately I found the master of the house at the door, who seeing me come out with a large parcel under my arm, stopped me short, and enquired in a voice of thunder what I had got under my cloak. Most people in my situation would have been quite confounded; but I, on the contrary, without being in the least at a nonplus, answered him immediately, that it was his lady's velvet robe which I was carrying home in order to set the collar to rights and alter one of the sleeves. So much the better, replied he, but you must bring it back as soon as possible, for my wife will want it this afternoon, to visit a lady of quality of her acquaintance. I assured him that I would not fail, and thus saying, shot from him as swift as a roebuck.

"I communicated my imprisonment to our lawyer, who came to me immediately. I told him the circumstances, and he repaired to a criminal judge. They had a long conversation together, which ended with the promise that I should be set at liberty that very day. He brought me the good news, and I prepared to leave the place. The order was already made out, the gaoler satisfied, and I had one foot out of prison, when by the malice of the devil, my friend the notary, who had been so actively in search for me, and who happened to have a little business there, presented himself before me. He stared me full in the face, and recognizing me immediately, he flew in a passion, gave me a violent blow with his fist, which made me reel back into the prison again, and told the gaoler to lock me in, for that I had robbed him, and he would certainly get me committed. Our lawyer, who was present, exerted all his flowers of rhetoric to appease him. He even went so far as to promise the value of the robe; but the cursed notary, preferring the pleasure of being revenged on me, to that of recovering his property, was inexorable: the consequences of which were that I was honoured with a hearty whipping, and banished the kingdom.

"After this disgrace, which I bore as patiently as I could, my captain, by way of consolation, offered me a letter of recommendation to a friend of his, the chief of a banditti who inhabited a retreat in the Roman mountains, which, not knowing what better I could do, I accepted of. The chief had no sooner read my letter than he gave me a most gracious reception. He introduced me to the cavaliers of his company, than whom I never saw more savage looking animals. It is true, that having left at Naples comrades so perfectly civilized, it was impossible but these mountaineers must have appeared to me wild and unsociable. Nevertheless, as one must always follow the fashion, I by degrees became accustomed to them, notwithstanding the terrible life they led. We made some good hits, and I found myself in a short time with a purse well stocked. No sooner was this the case than I determined on leaving these honest folks. With this view, I requested leave of our chief for two months, under pretence of having some business at Rome. This was readily granted me, on my taking oath that I would return at the expiration of that time. This oath I certainly submitted to, but fully determined to forget it as soon as I got to Rome.

"I had pictured to myself that in so fine a city, I should find opportunities to exercise my talents at every step I took. When, however, I had been there long enough to study the genius of the inhabitants, they appeared to me to be so cunning themselves, that I stood no chance among them. I made a few hits, but of such a nature as would do me no credit to repeat. In the last of these I narrowly escaped detection. This caused me to leave Rome suddenly, whence I thought proper to make the tour of Italy, that I might know it well, and I spent all my money in this wandering life. At length, being at Bologna, chance made me acquainted with Alexander Bentivoglio, who received me into his little troop. This man seems born for his profession. His custom is to leave his native place from time to time, and travel through the different towns in search of dupes; and after he has made any good stroke, he returns to Bologna, where he is always sure to be safe, as though nothing had happened. I occasionally accompanied him in these trips, and I was at Rome on his business, the day on which your lordship was persecuted by the mob. I called upon you at the Ambassador's--you had the imprudence to display all your property and expose all your affairs to me--I reported this to captain Alexander, who immediately planned the trick we played you. This action, continued he, is always present to my mind; and my extreme sorrow on this account will be constantly nourished by your excessive kindness to me."

Sayavedra here concluded his history. After which his various adventures formed the topic of our conversation on the road towards Milan, where we arrived both fresh and merry, and similarly well-disposed to possess ourselves of the property of others.

CHAP. XL.

We passed the first three days in walking about the streets, examining the different articles with which the shops were decked out, without thinking as yet of turning our genius to advantage. Happy times for the citizens of Milan!

As we were strolling as usual one morning, a young man, tolerably well dressed, accosted Sayavedra who was behind me. I always walked first, and did not perceive him until I had got about a hundred paces on. I then looked attentively at this young man who had stopped my confidant, and there was something mettlesome and cunning in his appearance which I did not like. Oh, oh! thought I, who can this chap be; what business can they have together? This is what I must know; but how can I possibly learn? Were I to call Sayavedra, and ask him the subject of this conversation, he would not fail to frame a lie in an instant, and I should not be a bit the wiser. All I can do then is to keep quiet, let them go on their own way, betray no suspicion of Sayavedra, but keep a sharp eye over him.

Their conversation lasted above a quarter of an hour; after which, the young man took his leave of my confidant, who rejoined me with a thoughtful air, which by no means dissipated my suspicions. I was in hopes that he would have explained the rencontre to me; but he said not a word about it, still remaining in a reverie. I kept silence also until after dinner, when finding myself alone with him, and being able no longer to contain myself: "Mr. Sayavedra," said I, smiling, "may I presume to ask who that young man might be with whom you had so serious a conversation this morning? I think I have seen him at Rome. Is not his name Mendocia?" "No Sir," replied he, "he is named Aguilera, and I assure you very appropriately so called; for he shews himself a true eagle whenever he has occasion to use his claws. He is a good companion, has a tolerable share of wit, and is very clever in many respects. We have known each other for a long time, have travelled in company, and have suffered a great deal together. His head is at present full of a scheme, which, if it succeed, will make his fortune. He proposed to me to be a party to it, offering me half the profits. I told him that I would undertake nothing, without first apprising you of it. I even went so far as to add that you were so extremely kind to me, that I felt assured you would not refuse us your advice in an affair of such consequence." "No," said I, "undoubtedly I would not: on the contrary, my friend, I am well disposed to assist you both. Let me know what is the subject in debate." "Sir," replied he, "Aguilera is to call here this afternoon, when you can speak to him yourself. He will disclose his whole project to you, and if there be any alteration required in his plan, you can adjust it to perfection."

He had no sooner said these words, than he was informed that a young man wished to speak with him. We had no doubt but this was Aguilera, for we knew no one else at Milan. Sayavedra ran to meet him; and after having prepared him for the conversation we should have together, he introduced him to me. We saluted each other with much politeness. Aguilera was a well looking young man, and appeared to me to possess good sense. He confirmed every thing my confidant had told me, and related to me in an agreeable manner several of their exploits together. He then informed me, that having come to Milan in the hope of making some good hit, he had found means to introduce himself to the service of a rich banker, with whom he had lived about six months as his clerk: that he had by his assiduity and fidelity entirely gained the confidence of his patron, waiting patiently until he found a good opportunity of robbing him: that such a one now presented itself; but, that he had occasion for a second to avail himself of it, and that in meeting Sayavedra, he looked upon him as a man sent from heaven for that express purpose, being well acquainted with his abilities that way. I asked him, "if there would be any difficulty in the execution of his design." "Not a great deal," replied he, "but you shall judge for yourself. The banker has within these few days deposited in his strong box a large shamois leather purse, containing one thousand good pistoles. It is my intention to take possession of these on Sunday morning, while my patron is at mass, and to join Sayavedra at a certain place, where he shall have two horses in waiting. We shall be off in an instant, and ride our hacks so vigorously that we shall be far enough from the city, before the banker can discover the copious bleeding his strong box shall have sustained."

After having listened to Aguilera very attentively, I told him that his undertaking was of a much more delicate nature than he himself seemed to imagine: that, being known in the town as the confidential clerk of the banker, he might meet some person on the road, who, surprised to see him travelling on a post horse, would naturally suspect him of some roguery, and immediately communicate his suspicions to his master: that the banker on his return from mass would perhaps immediately discover that he had been robbed; that this report would soon spread itself about the town, and that it would soon be ascertained that Aguilera had set off with post horses: the consequence of which would be, that his patron would have him pursued by certain persons well mounted, whom it might be rather difficult to escape. I urged many other objections, which convinced him that his plan was but ill-conceived. He confessed this, but told me at the same time, that he should nevertheless execute it, as he saw no better way. I have to do, continued he, with a man who never leaves his house, except on Sundays to hear mass, and then immediately on his return shuts himself up as before in the room in which he keeps his papers and money.

"It matters nothing," replied I, "be he never so vigilant, 'twill be easy enough to get this same shamois leather purse into our hands, without exposing yourself to the danger you are willing to rashly to incur. In good faith, gentlemen, if you know no better than this, you are as yet but apprentices to your trade. I will shew you a genius superior to that of many besides you. I will take upon myself, if it so please you, the charge of conducting this enterprise, and without implicating you in any misfortune that may happen to me in consequence; even though fortune be adverse to me, I will answer for the thousand pistoles, provided they remain in the strong box eight days longer." Sayavedra and his friend laughed heartily at this speech, at which they were almost as much delighted as if the pistoles were already in their hands. They thanked me for the offer, and readily left the conducting of this affair to me; well persuaded, particularly Sayavedra, that I should not talk in this strain without being well assured of the event. "Give yourselves no further trouble about it then, gentlemen," added I, "you shall see that one who has been a page five or six years is somewhat wiser than a Roman bandit." This hit at Sayavedra redoubled their mirth, and we were all very merry together. I then proceeded to question this confidential clerk of the banker's more particularly.

I did not forget to ascertain the situation of the room; the manner in which the bags were tied up; their marks; in fact every particular that I considered necessary, of which I wrote down a circumstantial account. I then sent Aguilera home to his master, telling him that I would give him timely notice of the part he would have to play. After his departure, I told my confidant that I had put his friend to a difficult trial, and that I doubted much whether he would procure the impressions of the keys. But Sayavedra, who had a better opinion of his talents, thought otherwise, and he was certainly right. Within two days after Aguilera kept his word, and informed me, also, where I might find a locksmith who would make me two false keys, provided I paid him handsomely. "I have but one more question to ask you," said I, "at what hour is your master to be seen? for bankers are generally particular." Aguilera answered, "that the best time was between ten o'clock and noon." "Good," said I, "return home then, and remember well what I now tell you: I shall not fail to be at the banker's house by ten o'clock to-morrow morning; arrange it so that you be with him at that time, and be sure you lose not a word of my conversation with him, in order that you may be brought forward as a witness, if necessary."

Every thing being so far arranged, I carried the impressions to the honest locksmith I had been recommended to, and whom I found in reality the man for my business. He promised to make me two keys immediately for two pistoles, one of which I paid him in advance. On my return to my inn, I espied in a shop window a very neat sort of jewel box, which after having carefully examined, I bought. Sayavedra who accompanied me, appeared somewhat surprised at this purchase. I could not resist laughing at his astonishment: "Friend," said I, "be assured that this little casket will not be without its use." "I do not doubt it," answered he smiling; "you have not made a fool's bargain. You doubtless know the use you intend to put it to, and I leave that as well as every thing else to your superior judgment."

I went the next morning at ten precisely to the banker's counting-house. Aguilera was there, and two or three gentlemen on business. I bowed to the master on entering the room, and addressing him in a loud voice, told him that I was come to Milan with the intention of making some purchases previously to my marriage: that I had brought a considerable sum of money which I should be glad to place in safety, and that instead of leaving it at my inn where there were all sorts of people, I had thought it much better to trust it to a man like him, whose probity I had heard much commended: I added, that I had a short voyage to take to Venice which would oblige me to have a credit from his house. The banker, greedy of gain, made me a thousand offers of service, accompanied by the most profound bows, and asked me the amount of the sum I wished to deposit in his hands. I answered, about twelve thousand franks of gold, and a small bag of silver specie, which I would send him in about an hour. He replied that my time was his: then reaching down his day-book from the press, he enquired my name, which I gave him as Don Juan Osorio. This he immediately wrote down, with the date of the day and month, the better to ensure my keeping my word.

After this, having no further business with him at that time, I took my leave, after a thousand mutual compliments, entreating him not to leave his house until my return. I reached home well satisfied with the happy commencement of my scheme. Sayavedra, who was waiting for me, with the more impatience, as he was more interested in the business than I was, was not a little astonished, when I informed him what I had just done. "But, sir," said he, "pray where do you intend to get these twelve thousand franks which you have promised to carry to the banker's? I am at a loss to know this." "That need not give you the least uneasiness," answered I, "he has them already. I know well enough that this is Hebrew to you, but I have my reasons. Press me no more on this point at present, but tell me whether your friend Aguilera reckons among his talents that of being able to forge writing." "Forge!" cried he with transport, "he can counterfeit any one's hand; it is his fort. Would to heaven that I had only the money he has touched by such means! if he had not excelled in that art, he would still have been at Rome; but he was obliged to decamp thence somewhat abruptly, for fear of falling into the hands of a brute of a merchant, who, having discovered that he had forged his signature, was in pursuit of him." "This being the case," replied I, "our enterprise must infallibly succeed."

The reliance that Sayavedra placed in my skill, prevented his doubting the success I assured him of, though he knew nothing of my plans. All that vexed him was, that I had allotted no part in the performance to him, of which he complained to me, asking if he was to be dumb in the comedy. "Never fear," said I, "I have reserved a character for you, which you will perform to admiration." At the same time I ordered him to take under his arm the casket I had purchased and filled with lumps of lead. In addition to this I loaded him with a bag of money, bound round with red ribbon, and stained with ink in the middle, because, as well as I could remember, there was one exactly similar to it in the strong box. We left our chamber together, as if with the intention of carrying all this to the banker's. Having got into the street, I said to my confidant, return for one moment into the kitchen, under pretence of asking our landlord what hour we shall dine, and what he intends for our dinner. In short, take care that his wife and he cannot fail to observe the casket with curiosity and attention. It is very essential to us that they should both take particular notice of it before you rejoin me.

No man in the world could be better adapted than Sayavedra, to acquit himself well on such a commission. He went into the kitchen, where, after having asked the landlord the question I had desired him, he displayed without ceremony the casket and bag of money. The landlord and landlady immediately fixed their eyes on them: the casket, especially, was so much admired by the wife, that she could not resist requesting to be allowed to examine it more closely. Her husband did the same, and exclaimed, "Good God, how heavy it is!" "It may well be so," said Sayavedra, "since it is full of gold coin, to the amount of twelve thousand franks, which we are now going to deposit in a banker's hands." "At a banker's!" cried the landlord abruptly, "though they contained above a hundred thousand franks, both that casket and bag would be as much in safety at my house as at the richest banker's in the town." The landlady, as ticklish as her husband on points of honour, added: "Yes, we have occasionally deposits of value left with us; and, thank God and the Virgin Mary, we have always taken good care of them." "I doubt it not in the least," replied Sayavedra. "Were you not considered honest people, my master would never have come to lodge with you with so much money. Think not then that he has a bad opinion of your house; but, the fact is, that he is on the point of setting out for Venice, and having occasion for a letter of credit to that city, we are in fairness bound to leave these twelve thousand franks with the banker who will supply him with one."

"That alters the case," replied the host, appeased; "I have nothing more to say to it. What is the banker's name?" "Plati," replied my confidant. "Plague on him," continued the landlord, "he is as rich as Croesus, but a very Jew. He will make you pay handsomely for your confidence, I can tell you. If you had only said one word to me, I could have recommended you to a much more reasonable house." "It is too late now," said Sayavedra; "my master has already agreed with this banker. But think not," continued he, "that I can gossip much longer with you, for my master is waiting for me. I merely came into the kitchen to ascertain whether we should have time to settle our business before dinner." The landlord begged that we would not hurry ourselves, and hoped that we should always find him ready to accommodate us in any way while in his house.

My confidant having repeated this conversation to me, we took a walk together quite out of the town. We returned after some time to the inn, where Sayavedra, by my desire, entered without being observed, and replaced both the casket and bag in my chamber. The table was not yet laid, the landlord, out of respect to me, having kept back the dinner, which was served up immediately he was told of my arrival. Having dined, I retired into my chamber and sent for the landlord, who immediately came up, begging to know in what he could serve me. I have a complaint to make against you, said I; how could you think me capable of suspecting so honourable a man as you? To convince you of the injustice you do me, I entreat you to take care of this purse containing a hundred pistoles, until my departure for Venice. So saying, I drew from my pocket a perfumed purse containing that sum exactly. He was so sensible of this mark of confidence, that he could scarcely restrain his joy.

My false keys were brought home two days after this. Aguilera, who was soon informed of this, told his friend he should have an opportunity of making use of them on the following Sunday after dinner, while the banker was amusing himself, as was his custom, at a game of chess, with one of his neighbours. I then let Sayavedra completely into the secret, in order that he might the better give his friend his instructions; and, on the Saturday evening I despatched him to the rendezvous, entrusting to his care the two false keys, and the casket, in which I put ten quadruples, thirty Roman crowns, and some slips of manuscript, instead of the lead which it before contained. As for the bag of money, I begged leave to keep that at home, having besmeared it with ink, and tied it up with red ribbon, merely that it might be exhibited to our landlord and his wife in that state, that they might testify to having seen it; so I had only put the lead into the casket to make it heavy, and to make these good folks believe that it was full of gold.

As soon as my confidant saw Aguilera, he said to him: "now my friend, listen to me with the utmost attention, and be particular in remembering what I tell you. Take these keys, and to-morrow, when you open the strong box, take out the shamois leather purse which is in it, and empty it into this casket; but be sure you take thirty pistoles out of the thousand you will find there, and substitute these ten quadruples in their place. You will not fail also to put this manuscript in, which contains a specification of the sum, and declares that it is the property of Don Juan Osorio, which is the name my master has assumed in this affair. This other slip of paper," continued he, "you must thrust into the bag in which you say there are three hundred and thirty crowns, and which is stained with ink, and tied up with a red ribbon. You will at the same time extract from this bag thirty of these crowns, and slip in these thirty Roman crowns in their stead. I have but one thing now to tell, and which is most important of all; that is, to open the press in which your patron keeps his account books, and write in his journal the words you will find on this third paper, taking good care to let it be under the name of Don Juan Osorio, which you will find there entered, and also to imitate with your utmost dexterity the hand-writing of Signor Plati. Signor Don Guzman, my master," added he, "requires nothing more of you but what will be the easiest part of the performance, namely: that on Monday, at the wind up of the scheme, you affect to be a most zealous servant, call him all the vile names you can think of, and even strike him to make the scene more natural."

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