Master and squire continued conversing on this and other subjects until they arrived near a village, in which arose a tower with ramparts, and near it a low building, which, from its appearance, must be the stable of which they were in search.
Rodrigo and Fernan entered the tower, the occupant of which was Don Peyre Pringos, and in a short time they came forth again with him and proceeded towards the stables, much against the will of Fernan, who, in order to accompany them, had to leave an excellent breakfast, which on a slight hint from him had been served up in the kitchen of Don Peyre.
The stables were divided into two compartments, one fitted up for the horses and the other as a harness-room.
"Godson," said Don Peyre, "stand near the stable door, and, according as the horses are driven out, select those which most please you."
"Fernan," said in his turn Rodrigo, "place yourself at the other side of the door, and choose whichever horse you like best."
"I shall do so with very great pleasure," replied Fernan, who was exceedingly well contented, notwithstanding the slight annoyance he felt at having to leave the succulent breakfast that had been prepared for him; for he saw in the stables sufficient horses from which to choose not alone two, but even two dozen.
The stable-boy then began to drive the animals out, and they came on through the harness-room. Fernan placed his hand on a white-and-red spotted horse, very high and of handsome appearance, and said—
"If you don't take him for yourself, sir, this one shall be mine."
"'Fore God," exclaimed Don Peyre, "the squire is not a fool!"
"Some day you will know, as Agrajes said,"[2] replied Rodrigo, "that such horses are good for riding on festive occasions, but for war I desire another kind, as you shall now see;" and as a horse, black, slender, not very tall, and almost as gentle-looking as an ass, came forth, he touched him with his hand and said, according to the "Chronicle of the Cid"—