"¡Caray! Like a true caballero as you are, by taking leave honestly of our travelling companions."
"To the devil with such folly," said the other, spurring his horse.
But Mataseis boldly seized the horse by the curb, and arrested him in his course.
"It is not folly, my dear fellow," said he; "no one would be less inclined to do that than I; but serious matters are in question."
"Serious matters!" said Sacatripas, with astonishment.
"Caray, I believe you. Ah, where do you come from, my dear fellow? Have you forgotten that we are almost prisoners of the Moros. Ought we not to inform them of our departure? I by no means wish that some thirty of these demons should be at our heels with those interminable lances."
"¡Rayo de Dios! Companion; I have no more wish for that than you, believe me. The mere thought of it chills my blood."
"Bah! reassure yourself; things will go better than you think for. I am convinced that these honest countrymen will be delighted at seeing us go away."
"Let us hope so, companion, let us hope so. I confess that if they wish to get rid of us, there is between them and myself an extraordinary sympathy, for I heartily hope never to see them again."
"Good, you admit the justice of my argument, then."