Part 16 (2/2)
”Watch out, the drain runs in the middle of the street,” cautioned Manuel.
The rain kept falling; the quartet of slummers entered narrow patios where their feet sank into the pestiferous slime. Along the entire extension of the ravine black with mud, shone but a single oil lamp, attached to the side of some half crumbled wall.
”Shall we go back?” asked Roberto.
”Yes,” answered the lady.
They set out for Embajadores lane and walked up the Paseo de las Acacias. The rain came down harder; here and there a faint light shone in the distance; against the intense darkness of the sky loomed the vague silhouette of a high chimney....
Leandro and Manuel accompanied f.a.n.n.y and Roberto as far as the Plaza del Rastro, and there they parted, exchanging handshakes.
”What a woman!” exclaimed Leandro.
”Nice, eh?” asked Manuel.
”You bet. I'd give anything to have a try at her.”
CHAPTER VI
Roberto In Quest of a Woman--El Tabuenca and his Inventions--Don Alonso or the Snake-Man.
A few months later Roberto appeared in the Corrala at the hour when Manuel and the shoe-shop employes were returning from their day's work.
”Do you know Senor Zurro?” Roberto asked Manuel.
”Yes. He lives here on this side.”
”I know that. I'd like to have a talk with him.
”Then knock at his door. He must be in.”
”Come along with me.”
Manuel knocked and Encarna opened; they went inside. Senor Zurro was in his room, reading a newspaper by the light of a large candle; the place was a regular storehouse, cluttered with old secretaries, dilapidated chests, mantlepieces, clocks and sundry other items. It was close enough to stifle a person; it was impossible to breathe or to take a step without stumbling against something.
”Are you Senor Zurro?” asked Roberto.
”Yes.”
”I have come at the suggestion of Don Telmo.”
”Don Telmo!” repeated the old man, rising and offering the student a chair. ”Have a seat. How is the good gentleman?”
”Very well.”
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