584 The Fortune-Hunters : [June, 
court, paved with brick, and washed with bullock’s blood, till one might 
have brushed carmine off it. On one side was a bench, and on the other 
a water-jug with a broken mouth. A little mug, as infirm as the jar, in 
another place. An old mat, and a pot of ointment. Our two youths 
attentively regarded all around them while awaiting the Senor Monopa- 
dis ; and as he was not forthcoming immediately, Bincon had the hardi- 
hood to enter a small room that led from the court. He perceived in it 
two foils and two bucklers of cork hanging up on four nails—a large 
chest without top or cover of any kind, and three old mats spread 
on the ground. On the wall, directly opposite the door, was stuck up a 
coarse image of Our Lady—and a little below it hung a palm-basket, and 
a small earthen pot, which led Bincon to conclude that the basket served 
to receive alms, and the earthen pot to hold holy water—wherein he was 
not deceived. During this time, two young men, of about twenty-two 
each, in the habit of scholars, entered the court. Shortly afterwards, two 
porters, and a blind man, followed ; and, without speaking a word, they 
began walking about. Two old men, clothed in black stuff, appeared 
next, each with a long rosary in his hand. A withered hag succeeded 
these ; and making straight toward the little hall, she sprinkled herself 
with holy water, devoutly kneeled down before the image, and, after a 
certain interval, and having three times kissed the ground, and as many 
times lifted her hands and eyes to heaven, she arose, put her alms into 
the basket, and mingled with the rest inthe court. In fine, in less than 
half an hour, as many as fourteen persons, of different habits and different 
trades, were there assembled. Two young men, well made, and stout 
made, with great mustachios, broad-brimmed hats, Flemish cravats, red 
stockings, and shewy garters, long swords, and pistols in the guise of 
daggers stuck in their belts, entered the last ; and casting a glance on 
Bincon and Costado, as strangers, they came straight towards them, and 
demanded if they were of their fraternity. Bincon replied yes; and 
their Senor’s very humble servants. While this was going on, the 
Senor Monopadis descended—as anxiously expected, as he was re- 
spected by this honourable company. He appeared to be a man of from 
forty-five to fifty years of age, of tall stature, a sunburnt complexion, 
bushy eyebrows that joined, black and full beard, and deep-sunk eyes. 
He descended in his shirt, over which he wore a frize cloak, that 
came down to his feet, on which he had an old pair of slippered shoes. 
His legs were covered by great wide trowsers, reaching to the instep. 
His chimney-crowned hat had immense wings. A leather thong passed 
over his shoulder, and across his breast, sustained a stout short sword. 
His hands were hairy—his fingers short and thick—the nails long and 
hooked. His legs were not visible; but his monstrous feet were full of 
corns and horns—the whole personage presenting an assemblage the 
most rude, barbarous, and deformed, that the world might produce. 
The conductor of our two youths came down stairs with him; and 
taking them by the hand, presented them to Monopadis, saying, “ Here 
are the two amiable young Senors of whom I had the honour to speak 
to your worship. Senor Monopadis, have the goodness to examine them, 
and you will see that they are worthy of entering into our congregation.” 
—< I shall do so with pleasure,” replied Monopadis. I omitted to say, 
that when Monopadis descended, the whole of the assembly made him a 
profound and ample reverence, excepting the two bravos, who, with the 
air of petits-maitres, just touched their hats, and continued their parade 
