They filled their glasses and drank to the happy days they had spent in
Havana. "At least the wine may quicken your memory as to the time we
met. About the time I refer to," continued Romer, still watching
Gusher's manner carefully, "which was about the time we met, a fellow of
wonderful audacity was flourishing, and so attracting public attention
by his skill in rascality that little else was talked of. Louis Pinto
was his real name; but he regarded names as a matter of no consequence,
and used the names of rich and respectable gentlemen whenever a
necessity demanded."
"You shall give me zat hand," replied Gusher, extending his hand and
taking Romer's, with an air of refreshing coolness. "You bring ze
gentleman to my mind. When I shall speak ze truth I shall say he was one
grand rascal, I remember him just so well as you shall see."
"I am glad," resumed Romer, "that you know him for a grand rascal.
Rascal as he was, I had great admiration for him. He had three
remarkable virtues--impudence, coolness, and audacity.
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