Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/61

Rh tall, handsome young man, well-dressed, and of distinguished appearance; but who has a restless and eager look, and with feverish haste implores the officer to give him his instant attention. Addressing the clerk, who inclines his ear to him respectfully, he says,—

"I wish you to advance me twenty pesos, if you can possibly do it, upon this necklace: and may the Virgin help thee to be quick, for I have instant need of the money!"

But that individual is in no hurry to obey his commands, and he carelessly continues sorting some labelled parcels, upon which he had been previously occupied. The anxious look of this young man, and the hectic flush upon his cheek, have been produced by the excitement of the gaming-table; his temples throb, his eyes glow, and, in the extremity of his impatience, he fiercely, but inadvertently, clutches the handle of his dagger. At length the clerk in attendance condescends to comply with his demand, or at least with two-thirds of it. The usual questions are asked, the customary memorandum is made, the money is handed over, and the necklace is surrendered. It was the last dying gift of a departed and dearly beloved sister that he has