Argamasilla del Alba 



turn towards Argamasilla del Alba, where the first part of 

 Don Quixote was written in prison. The church-tower of 

 this celebrated place soon appeared ; but we found the road 

 much longer than it seemed ; for distances on the dead levels 

 of La Mancha, with a clear atmosphere, are very deceptive. 



It was half an hour after sunset as we entered Argama- 

 silla. While our hostess of the Posada de la M'lna was 

 preparing our supper, we inquired if she had ever heard of 

 Miguel Cervantes, who had lived in the carcel (prison). 



" No, Sefiores. I think I have heard of one Cervantes, 

 but he does not live here at present." 



" Do you know anything of Don Quixote ? " 



" Oh, yes ; he was a great cahallcro^ who lived in the 

 pueblo (township) some years ago. His house is over the 

 way, on the other side of the plaza^ with the arms over the 

 door. The father of the alcalde is the oldest man in the 

 place, and perhaps he may remember him." 



This was encouraging. The author, indeed, was for- 

 gotten ; but the hero of his novel had become a real man, 

 whose house remained to testify of him to this day. 



While we were undressing to go to bed, three gentlemen 

 were announced and shown in. We begged them to be seated, 

 and they were so, on three chairs at the end of the room ; 

 and we sat opposite, at the feet of our respective beds, to 

 hear what they might have to communicate. A venerable 

 old man opened the conference : 



" We have understood, gentlemen, that you have come 

 hither, seeking for information respecting the famous Don 

 Quixote, and we have come to give you such information as 

 we may ; but perhaps you will understand me better ir I 

 speak in Latin." 



" We have learnt the Latin at school, but are more 

 accustomed to converse in the Castilian ; pray proceed." 



264 



