Myself. - Such is my intention; I can stay here no longer.
Antonio. - The way is far to Madrilati: there are, moreover, wars
in the land and many chories (thieves) walk about; are you not
afraid to journey?
Myself. - I have no fears; every man must accomplish his destiny:
what befalls my body or soul was written in a gabicote (book) a
thousand years before the foundation of the world.
Antonio. - I have no fears myself, brother; the dark night is the
same to me as the fair day, and the wild carrascal as the market-
place or the chardy (fair); I have got the bar lachi in my bosom,
the precious stone to which sticks the needle.
Myself. - You mean the loadstone, I suppose. Do you believe that a
lifeless stone can preserve you from the dangers which occasionally
threaten your life?
Antonio. - Brother, I am fifty years old, and you see me standing
before you in life and strength; how could that be unless the bar
lachi had power? I have been soldier and contrabandista, and I
have likewise slain and robbed the Busne. The bullets of the
Gabine (French) and of the jara canallis (revenue officers) have
hissed about my ears without injuring me, for I carried the bar
lachi.
