"You are excessively kind; accept my thanks. I will explain in half a dozen words. The caballero who is approaching is Señor—"

"Don Torribio Quiroga," interposed Don Estevan; "I know him."

"So much the better; the matter is simplified. That honourable personage, as I found out by a strange chance is my bitter enemy."

"That is a pity."

"It is; but what shall I say? He is so thoroughly my enemy, that he has tried four times to have me assassinated; has made me serve as a target to banditti."

"It is grievous. He plays an evil game with you, Don Fernando."

"The very reflection I made myself; so, as I wish to have done with him, I have resolved to offer him the means of getting out of the scrape."

"It is the act of a true caballero."

"¡Caray! I can fancy how furious he will be. I am charmed at your consenting to be witness of the transaction."

"With pleasure, caballero."