At the
barracks I made friends with a sculptor who comes here for his meals,
too, and we both live in a garret. I laugh at such things, for I am
convinced that some day I'm going to be wealthy, and when I am, I'll
recall these hard times with pleasure."
"He's beginning to rave already," thought Manuel.
"Then you don't believe that I'm going to be a rich man some day?"
"Certainly. Of course I do!"
"Where are you going?" asked Roberto.
"Nowhere in particular."
"Let's take a stroll."
"Come on."
They walked down to Alfonso XII Street and went into the Retiro; when
they had gone as far as the end of the carriage drive they sat down on
a bench.
"We'll drive along here in a carriage when I become a millionaire,"
said Roberto.
"You mean you.... As for me...." replied Manuel.
"You, too. Do you imagine that I'm going to let you stand in the
barrack's bread line when I have my millions?"
"He's truly a bit off his base," thought Manuel, "but he has a kind
heart." Then he added. "Have your affairs been making much progress?"
"No, not much. The question is still pretty well tangled. But it will
be straightened out, mark my word."
"Do you know that that circus chap with the phonograph showed up one
day with a woman named Rosa?" said Manuel. "I went hunting for you to
see whether she was the one you were talking about.
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