2

-2-

who am a simple man, and always willing to give you any information. He
is too proud. He is a man who carries his head thrown far back, as you
may say. He only considers those who have a high position in life.

"He is a man of strange moods, as I told you before. One moment he will
receive you as if you were his only friend in life, and at the next, he will
ignore you completely. I have known him for many many years, and I know
how he is.

"If you are set on seeing him, however, it is best that you should go
to his home after he has had his supper. It may be that he will be in the
right mood then--and for all that you hold sacred, please do not mention
my name for anything. Remember that--not the slightest reference to me.
This is the best advice I can give you."

I, therefore, decided to apply to Mr. Manteiga, Editor of "La Gaceta,"
Spanish newspaper, who is a close friend of Mr. Pendas. Mr. Manteiga told
me to go over to the factory, and if Mr. Pendas was doubtful about anything,
to have him call him (Mr. Manteiga) up on the telephone. To go right up to
Mr. Pendas and tell him that Mr. Manteiga had sent me. However, he was
very sorry, but he was too busy, and could not give me an introduction.

Seeing that it was impossible to obtain a letter of introduction from
his close friends, I armed myself with a letter from the office and called
on Mr. Pendas at his factory. He was not in the office at that moment, but
one of the bookkeepers said he was out in the hall. So I went out in the
hall, found him, introduced myself, and handed him the letter from the of-
fice. He must have been in one of his good moods, as he received me civil-
ly enough, took me to his private office, and sat down to read the letter.
Then I went on to explain what I wanted. He then replied: "I am very

1410