"Nombre de Dios! Is this an inn?" he asked in astonishment, peering through the open door and sniffing the fragrance.
"An inn, and no less. An inn, and no more," replied Pedro. "Enter. Thou 'rt as welcome to it as the smell of it seemeth to be to thee."
The stranger shook his head. "I have no money, Señor."
"The fiend!" ejaculated Pedro. "But thou hast an appetite, or thy looks belie thee. Enter, and call for what there is. Thy credit is good. Are there any others—civilians?"
"My gratitude, Señor," said the other, with feeling. "Yes, there are four in the rear of the baggage, and three women with the rear guard."
"Three women!" repeated Pedro. "Native women, thou wouldst say?"
"Of our own race, Señor."
"What!" exclaimed Pedro, in amazement. "Three Spanish women? Santo Sacramento! sayst thou so? What do they in this land of paynimry? Oh, these modern women!"
"Two are wives of cavaliers. The third is alone. And, Señor"—he spoke earnestly—"beware of this third."
"Ho!" responded Pedro, with a shrug. "I have all my feathers, amigo."