"Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always call you Don José Remero."

"Don José Remero be it."

"You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled from home after a fatal duel."

"All right," grinned Pierre.

"Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you ride?"

"Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman.

"I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair of pistols," continued Tom.

"Why, I shall look like an arsenal."

"My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks of travelling in any other way."

"One does at Rome as Rome does. I'm your man," cried Pierre, laughing; "what do you think of me?"