"Good! As, according to your own confession you have fired on me with the evident intention of killing me—"
"I cannot deny it, señor."
"In killing you, now you are in my power, I should only be making use of reprisals?"
"That is perfectly true, caballero, I must even confess that you could not possibly have a stronger reason for doing so."
His companion gazed at him in surprise.
"Then you are content to die?" said he.
"Let us understand each other," replied the lepero with avidity. "I am not at all content. On the contrary, I only know that I am a thorough gambler, that is all. I played; I lost; I have to pay. It is reasonable."
The cavalier seemed to reflect.
"And if, instead of planting my knife in your throat, even as you yourself acknowledge I have the right to do—"
El Zapote made a sign of assent.