Part 17 (1/2)
”He's an excellent friend of mine,” continued Zurro. ”I should say so.
Well, young man, let me know what you wish. It's enough for me that you come from Don Telmo; that a.s.sures you my best services.”
”I should like to learn the whereabouts of a certain girl acrobat who lived about five or six years ago in a lodging-house of this vicinity, or in Cuco's hostelry.”
”And do you know this girl's name?”
”Yes.”
”And you say that she used to live in Cuco's hostelry?”
”Yes, sir.”
”I know somebody who lives there,” murmured the second-hand dealer.
”Yes, that's so,” said Encarna.
”That man with the monkeys. Didn't he live there?” asked Senor Zurro.
”No; he lived in la Quinta de Goya,” answered his daughter.
”Well, then.... Just wait a moment, young man. Wait a moment.”
”Isn't it Tabuenca that lives there, father?” interrupted Encarna.
”That's the fellow. That's it. El Tabuenca. You go and see him. And tell him,” added Senor Zurro, turning to Roberto, ”that I sent you.
He's a grouchy old fellow, as testy as they make 'em.”
Roberto took leave of the second-hand man and his daughter, and in company of Manuel walked out to the gallery of the house.
”And where's this Cuco's hostelry?” he asked.
”Over there near Las Yeserias,” answered Manuel.
”Come along with me, then; we'll have supper together,” suggested Roberto.
”All right.”
They both went on to the hostelry, which was situated upon a thoroughfare that was deserted at this hour. It was a large building, with an entrance-vestibule in country style and a patio crowded with carts. They questioned a boy. El Tabuenca had just come, he told them.
They walked into the vestibule, which was illuminated by a lantern.
There was a man inside.
”Does anybody live here by the name of Tabuenca?” asked Roberto.
”Yes. What is it?” asked the man.
”I'd like to have a talk with him.”
”Well, talk away, then, for I'm Tabuenca.”