Note 232 — Chapter XVI · BLAS EL GUERRILLERO—continued.

“Well then”—a conjunctional expression with which, and sundry conques (with which), a Spaniard takes up and links together the different portions of a cuenta, the narration of which is generally interrupted by the necessity for lighting a fresh cigar, striking a fresh light, or getting rid of a superabundant supply of smoke. I have been purposely chary of these expressions, not to prolong a story which, even without them, many may think is somewhat tediously spun out.