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204 at the merchant's treachery, instantly repaired to the palace of the Vice-King, hoping for justice from this Western Solomon, though unable to conceive how it could be obtained. She was instantly received by Revillagigedo, who listened attentively to her account of the circumstances. "Had you no witnesses?" said the Count. "None," replied she. "Did no servant pass in or out during the transaction?" "No one." The Viceroy reflected a moment. "Does your compadre smoke?" "No sir," said the lady, astonished at this irrelevant question, and perhaps the more so, as the Count's aversion to smoking was so well known, that none of his smoking subjects ventured to approach him without having taken every precaution to deaden any odor of the fragrant weed which might lurk about their clothes or person. "Does he take snuff'?" said the Viceroy. "Yes, your Excellency," said his visiter, who probably feared that for once His Excellency's wits were wool-gathering. "That is sufficient," said the Viceroy; "retire into the adjoining chamber and keep quiet—your jewels shall be restored." His Excellency then despatched a messenger for the merchant, who immediately presented himself.

"I have sent for you," said the Viceroy, "that we may talk over some matters in which your mercantile knowledge may be of use to the state." The merchant was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy; while the Viceroy entered into conversation with him upon various affairs connected with his profession. Suddenly the Viceroy put his hand first in one pocket, then in the other, with the air of a man who