Avendano went down to the quadrangle, took the book, and began to serve out pecks of oats like water, and to note them down with such exactness that the landlord, who stood watching him, was greatly pleased with his performance.  “I wish to God,” he said, “your master would not come, and that you would make up your mind to stop with me; you would lose nothing by the change, believe me.  The hostler who has just quitted me came here eight months ago all in tatters, and as lean as a shotten herring, and now he has two very good suits of clothes, and is as fat as a dormouse; for you must know, my son, that in this house there are excellent vails to be got over and above the wages.”

“If I should stop,” replied Avendano, “I should not stand out much for the matter of what I should gain, but should be content with very little for sake of being in this city, which, they tell me, is the best in Spain.”

“At least it is one of the best and most plentiful,” said the host.  “But we are in want of another thing, too, and that is a man to fetch water, for the lad that used to attend to that job has also left me.  He was a smart fellow, and with the help of a famous ass of mine he used to keep all the tanks overflowing, and make a lake of the house.  One of the reasons why the muleteers like to bring their employers to my house is, that they always find plenty of water in it for their beasts, instead of having to drive them down to the river.”

Carriazo, who had been listening to this dialogue, and who saw Avendano already installed in office, thought he would follow his example, well knowing how much it would gratify him.  “Out with the ass, senor host,” he said; “I’m your man, and will do your work as much to your satisfaction as my comrade.”

“Aye, indeed,” said Avendano, “my comrade, Lope Asturiano will fetch water like a prince, I’ll go bail for him.”

La Argueello, who had been all the while within earshot, here put in her word.  “And pray, my gentleman,” said she to Avendano, “who is to go bail for you?  By my faith, you look to me as if you wanted some one to answer for you instead of your answering for another.”

“Hold your tongue, Argueello,” said her master; “don’t put yourself forward where you’re not wanted.  I’ll go bail for them, both of them.  And mind, I tell you, that none of you women meddle or make with the men-servants, for it is through you they all leave me.”

“So these two chaps are engaged, are they?” said another of the servant-women; “by my soul, if I had to keep them company I would never trust them with the wine-bag.”

“None of your gibes, senora Gallega,” cried her master; “do your work, and don’t meddle with the men-servants, or I’ll baste you with a stick.”

“Oh, to be sure!” replied the Gallician damsel; “a’nt they dainty dears to make a body’s mouth water?  I’m sure master has never known me so frolicksome with the chaps in the house, nor yet out of it, that he should have such an opinion of me.  The blackguards go away when they take it into their heads, without our giving them any occasion.  Very like indeed they’re the right sort to be in need of any one’s putting them to bidding their masters an early good morning, when they least expect it.”