Don Fernando merely replied by a nod.
"In that case," continued Don Estevan, "instead of having recourse to blind chance, why cannot you fight it out with each other?"
Both men made a gesture of disdain.
"What!" exclaimed Don Torribio, "Fight like wretched leperos, at the risk of disfiguring or crippling ourselves, which would be worse than death! No! I will never consent to that."
"Nor I; it is better that chance shall decide."
"As you please, caballeros; do as you like."
"But," said Don Torribio, "who is to deal?"
"The devil!" said Don Fernando; "that is a good remark: I never thought of that."
"I will, if you have no objection," said Don Estevan; "and so much the more readily, as my friendship for both of you señores, makes me perfectly disinterested."
"It will do," said Don Torribio; "only, to avoid all cause for dispute, you must choose at hap-hazard the pack you are to use."