"What are you doing, vile earthworm, more malicious and perfidious than my mother-in-law?" he exclaimed.
"There is another condition," responded Briónes, "that I must add to our treaty; it appears to me that the service I am going to do you is worth it."
"And what is this condition, tardy liberator?" inquired the demon.
"I should like for thy ransom four dollars daily during the rest of my life. Think of it, for upon that depends whether you stay in or come out."
"Miserable avaricious one!" exclaimed the demon, "I have no money."
"Oh!" replied Briónes, "what an answer from a great lord like you! Why, friend, that is the Minister of War's answer! If you can't pay me I cannot help you."
"Then you do not believe me," said the demon, "only let me out, and I will aid you to obtain what you want as I have done for many others. Let me out, I say, let me out."
"Gently," responded the soldier, "there is nothing to hurry about. Understand me that I shall have to hold you by the tail until you. have performed your promise to me; and if not, I have nothing more to say to you."
"Insolent, do you not trust me then!" shouted the demon.
"No," responded Briónes.
"What you desire is contrary to my dignity," said the captive, with all the arrogance that a being of his size could express.
[157]
