However, sudden and unexpected as the attack had been, the other was too much accustomed to strange vicissitudes in somewhat similar situations not to recover his presence of mind almost immediately.
"Well, comrade," resumed the cavalier, "what have you got to say to all this?"
"I?" replied the other, with a sneer; "¡Caray! I say the game has been well played."
"Then it is one you are acquainted with?"
"A little," was the modest reply.
"I have been a little sharper than you."
"Yes, sharper; yet I certainly thought I had killed you. Curious," he continued, as if talking to himself, "the others were right; it is I who have been a fool. I will take a silver ball next time; it is surer."
"What are you saying?"
"Nothing."
"Pardon me, you did say something."