"Begone! You are a brute beast!"
The vaquero staggered as he rose; his eyes were bloodshot, his lips blue; his whole body trembled. He picked up his knife, and approached Don Fernando, who stood there with folded arms.
"It is true; yes, I am a brute beast; but, nevertheless, I am devoted to you. Forgive me, or kill me, but do not bid me begone."
"Go! I tell you."
"And you have no more to say to me?"
"It is my last word; vex me no more."
"Your last word to me? Then I go—to the devil!" And he raised his weapon to kill himself.
Don Fernando arrested the stroke. "I forgive you," said he: "but, if you still wish to remain in my service, be mute as a corpse."
The vaquero fell at his feet, and covered with kisses the hand extended to him. It was like a dog licking the hand of the master who has beaten him.
Carlocho had taken no part in this scene, but remained a calm and unmoved spectator.