"Let us be content for the present," said the Moor; "here is as much
treasure as we can carry off without being perceived, and enough to
make us all wealthy to our heart's desire."
"Is there more treasure remaining behind?" demanded the alcalde.
"The greatest prize of all," said the Moor, "a huge coffer bound
with bands of steel, and filled with pearls and precious stones."
"Let us have up the coffer by all means," cried the grasping
alcalde.
"I will descend for no more," said the Moor, doggedly; "enough is
enough for a reasonable man- more is superfluous."
"And I," said the water-carrier, "will bring up no further burden to
break the back of my poor donkey."
Finding commands, threats and entreaties equally vain, the alcalde
turned to his two adherents. "Aid me" said he, "to bring up the
coffer, and its contents shall be divided between us." So saying he
descended the steps, followed with trembling reluctance by the
alguazil and the barber.
No sooner did the Moor behold them fairly earthed than he
extinguished the yellow taper; the pavement closed with its usual
crash, and the three worthies remained buried in its womb.
He then hastened up the different flights of steps, nor stopped
until in the open air. The little water-carrier followed him as fast
as his short legs would permit.
"What hast thou done?" cried Peregil, as soon as he could recover
breath.
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