Part 45 (1/2)

Tedes-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-cho!”

The end of it was that Meinheer Schatt was tied in a singularly uncomfortable position and left there. He thought he had been there about five hours. He was faint and hungry.

They took him home.

CHAPTER x.x.xII.

ANOTHER DISCOVERY MADE BY b.u.t.tONS.

On the evening after this adventure the Don turned the conversation into a new channel. They all grew communicative. b.u.t.tons told them that his father was an extensive merchant and s.h.i.+p-owner in Boston.

His business extended over many parts of the world. He thought he might have done something in Cadiz.

”Your father a s.h.i.+p-owner in Boston! I thought you belonged to New York,” said the Don, in surprise.

”Oh,” said b.u.t.tons, ”I said I came from there. The fact is, I lived there four years at college, and will live there when I return.”

”And your father lives in Boston,” said the Don, with an interest that surprised b.u.t.tons.

”Yes.”

”Is his name Hiram b.u.t.tons?”

”Yes,” cried b.u.t.tons, eagerly. ”How do you know?”

”My dear Sir,” cried the Don, ”Hiram b.u.t.tons and I are not only old business correspondents, but I hope I can add personal friends.”

The Don rose and grasped b.u.t.tons cordially by the hand. The young man was overcome by surprise, delight, and triumph.

”I liked you from the first,” said the Don. ”You bear your character in your face. I was happy to receive you into our society. But now I feel a still higher pleasure, for I find you are the son of a man for whom I a.s.sure you I entertain an infinite respect.”

The sisters were evidently delighted at the scene. As to b.u.t.tons, he was overcome.

Thus far he often felt delicacy about his position among them, and fears of intruding occasionally interfered with his enjoyment. His footing now was totally different; and the most punctilious Spaniard could find no fault with his continued intimacy.

”Hurrah for that abominable old office, and that horrible business to which the old gentleman tried to bring me! It has turned out the best thing for me. What a capital idea it was for the governor to trade with Cadiz!”

Such were the thoughts of b.u.t.tons as he went home.

CHAPTER x.x.xIII.

[Transcriber's Note: Transliteration of Greek.] Brekekek koax koax koax. [TN: /end Greek.]

In his explorations of the nooks and corners of Rome the Senator was compelled for some time to make his journeys alone. He sometimes felt regret that he had not some interpreter with him on these occasions; but on the whole he thought he was well paid for his trouble, and he stored up in his memory an incredible number of those items which are usually known as ”useful facts.”