"Since you remain here," he said to him, "I shall be off: when I came to speak to the captain, I left a nearly full bottle of mezcal at the tocanda of Master Cospeto, and on my word I feel inclined to go and finish it. I will not invite you to accompany me, for your duty keeps you here; otherwise you may be assured that I should be delighted to empty it with you."
"My duty does not keep me here," the Indian answered; "on the contrary, I have a long ride to make this very night."
"A long ride!" the adventurer exclaimed; "¡Caray! It is the same case with me, and as I know no better preservative against the night cold than mezcal, that is why I meant to empty the bottle before mounting. If your inclinations lie the same way, it is at your service."
We will allow that the asistente hesitated.
"Have you also a ride to take?" he asked.
"Yes, and I suspect that yours is as long as mine: well, I am going a long distance; what direction do you follow?"
"The captain sends me to Arispe," the bandit answered, boldly.
"Why, how singular that is! We shall follow the same road."
"That is indeed strange. Well, is it settled?—Will you drink the stirrup-cup with me?"
"Upon due reflection, I see no harm in it."