Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1831 edition. Excerpt: ... delivered the required pledge, but at the same time another difficulty arose. Some sudden thought seemed to dart across him, and on the point of separating, he eagerly got hold of the manolo to detain him. "Stay, Zurdo," he said, in a hesitating tone, "we have not done as yet. You have required a pledge of me, and it is but just I should obtain a like security." "Blessed St. Joseph! what mean you, Senor Enriquez? What the devil of a pledge can you wish for? Do you doubt my resolution and courage? I am not such a cold, chickenhearted rascal as ever to be troubled with foolish qualms? Here's plenty of security for you. Can you wish for a better?" As he pronounced these words, he drew from under his cloak his large cuchillo, a sharp double-edged blade, with a horn handle; the fearful weapon shone in the moonlight, as the ruffian displayed it. Enriquez, however, did not seem to be satisfied with the offered security. For, though he felt secure that a single blow, well directed from that weapon would be sufficient for its purpose, yet he entertained some doubts whether that blow would be inflicted at all. "Now, Zurdo, you will not be offended at my misgivings," said Enriquez; "when you come to claim your prize, how shall I be sure that the object for which it was offered has been attained? There is no use in mincing the matter. I am not quite at ease on the subject of his death, for you may be off with my money before I have had time to ascertain whether the deed has been really accomplished or not. "That's very unkind of you, Seiior Enriquez," replied the villain, "but take any precautions you please, I shall pardon them, in consideration of your anxiety." "Well, Zurdo," returned Enriquez, in a lower tone, "suppose you bring me some token...".
