The monk permitted himself to be persuaded sufficiently to prove that he was no lover of ardent spirits; then he allowed himself to be convinced, and seizing the bota, drank a hearty draught of the generous fluid. This libation restored him all his coolness and presence of mind.
"Then," he said, as he turned the bota to the half-breed, and gave vent to a sigh of relief, "Heaven preserve me; were the Evil One to come now in person, I feel capable of holding my own against him."
"Ah, ah!" said Tranquil, "It seems, my good father, as if you were now completely restored to the possession of your intellectual faculties."
"Yes, and I will give you the proof whenever you like."
"Hang it! You challenge me. I did not dare cross-question you before; but, as it is so, I will no longer hesitate."
"What do you wish to know?"
"A very simple matter: how it is that a monk finds himself at such an hour alone in the heart of the desert?"
"Nonsense," Fray Antonio said, gaily. "Who told you that I was alone?"
"Nobody; but I suppose so."
"Do not make any suppositions, brother, for you would be mistaken."