Monipodio
But how is it possible for us to gain a fortune honestly?
Quinola
My master is in love. Now love forces a man to do as many foolish
things as wise things. We two have first of all to protect our
protector. My master is a philosopher who cannot keep accounts--
Monipodio
Oh! my dear fellow, in choosing a master, you ought to have selected
one--
Quinola
Devotion and address count more with him than money; for money and
favor to him are mere snares. I know him well; he will either give us
or permit us to take enough to end our days in respectability.
Monipodio
Ah! that is what I have dreamed of.
Quinola
We must then use all our talents, which have been so far wasted, in
carrying out this grand enterprise. We should have had a great deal of
misfortune if the devil had not favored us.
Monipodio
It will be almost worth while to make a journey to Compostello. I have
the smuggler's faith, and I love wine.
Quinola
Are you not still in touch with the coiners of false money, and the
skeleton key-makers?
Monipodio
Yes--but for the good of the country--
Quinola
Well, that's the trick! As my master constructs his machine, I shall
take possession of the models of each part and we will make a
duplicate--
Monipodio
Quinola!
Quinola
What now?
(Paquita shows herself on the balcony.)
Monipodio
You are the greatest of men!
Quinola
I know it. Make a discovery, and you will die persecuted as a
criminal; make a copy, and you will live happy as a fool! And on the
other hand, if Fontanares should die, why should not I save his
invention for the good of humanity?
Monipodio
Especially, since we ourselves are humanity, as an old author says.
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