[47] Tricks of cheatery at cards.

The two boys kissed his hand in acknowledgment of the favour he was doing them; and promised to perform their parts zealously and faithfully, and with all possible caution and prudence.

Monipodio then drew from the hood of his cloak a folded paper, on which was the list of the brotherhood, desiring Rinconete to inscribe his name thereon, with that of Cortadillo; but as there was no escritoire in the place, he gave them the paper to take with them, bidding them enter the first apothecary’s shop they could find, and there write what was needful:  “Rinconete, and Cortadillo,” namely, “comrades; novitiate, none; Rinconete, a florist; Cortadillo, a bassoon-player."[48] To this was to be added the year, month, and day, but not the parents or birthplace.

[48] Cutpurse.

At this moment one of the old hornets came in and said, “I come to tell your worships that I have just now met on the steps, Lobillo[49] of Malaga, who tells me that he has made such progress in his art as to be capable of cheating Satan himself out of his money, if he have but clean cards.  He is so ragged and out of condition at this moment, that he dares not instantly make his appearance to register himself, and pay his respects as usual, but will be here without fail on Sunday.”

[49] The wolf-cub.

“I have always been convinced,” said Monipodio, “that Lobillo would some day become supereminent in his art, for he has the best hands for the purpose that have ever been seen; and to be a good workman in his trade, a man should be possessed of good tools, as well as capacity for learning.”

“I have also met the Jew,” returned the hornet; “he wears the garb of a priest, and is at a tavern in the Street of the Dyers, because he has learned that two Peruleros[50] are now stopping there.  He wishes to try if he cannot do business with them, even though it should be but in a trifling way to begin; for from small endeavours often come great achievements.  He, too, will be here on Sunday, and will then give an account of himself.”

[50] For Peruvians, which the American merchants were then called.

“The Jew is a keen hawk too,” observed Monipodio, “but it is long since I have set eyes on him, and he does not do well in staying away, for, by my faith, if he do not mend, I will cut his crown for him.  The scoundrel has received orders as much as the Grand Turk, and knows no more Latin than my grandmother.  Have you anything further to report?”

The old man replied that he had not.  “Very well,” said Monipodio; “Take this trifle among you,” distributing at the same time some forty reals among those assembled, “and do not fail to be here on Sunday, when there shall be nothing wanting of the booty.”  All returned him thanks.  Repolido and Cariharta embraced each other; so did Maniferro and Escalanta, and Chiquiznaque and Gananciosa; and all agreed that they would meet that same evening, when they left off work at the house of Dame Pipota, whither Monipodio likewise promised to repair, for the examination of the linen announced in the morning, before he went to his job with the juniper oil.