He looked uncertainly around him, as though fearing that a precipice might open at his feet.
Never forgetful of the respect due to every visitor in his dominion, he prepared two "refrescos." He was going to treat Esteban for the first time on this return trip.

On former days, incredible as it may seem, he had not thought of making even one of his delicious beverages.

The return from Naples to Barcelona had been a sad one: the vessel had a funereal air without its master.
For all these reasons, Caragol's hand lavishly measured out the rum until the liquid took on a tobacco tone.
They drank....

The young Telemachus began to talk about his father when the glasses were only half empty, and the cook waved both hands in the air, giving a grunt which signified that he had no wish to bother about the captain's absence.
"Your father will return, Esteban," he added.

"He will return but I don't know when.