"This time there is an appearance of reason in what you say," the adventurer observed, "and your remark would be just were I about to use my revolvers in forcing you to do what I demand of you; but re-assure yourself you shall have a loyal combat, and my pistols will remain on this table. I will merely cross my machete with your sabre, which will not only re-establish the balance between us, but also give you a signal advantage over me."
"Will you really act thus, caballero?"
"I pledge you my word of honour; I am accustomed always to settle accounts honourably both with my enemies and my friends."
"Ah! You call that settling accounts?" he said ironically.
"Certainly; what other name can I employ?"
"But whence comes this hatred you bear me?"
"I do not hate you more than any other villain of your stamp," he said savagely. "In a moment of braggadocio you wished to see my face, so that you might recognize me hereafter. I warned you that the sight would cost you your life: perhaps I should have forgotten you, but today you again came across my track. You possess papers which are indispensable to me, and these papers I have resolved on gaining at any price. You refuse them to me; I can secure them by killing you, and I shall kill you. Now I grant you five minutes to reflect, and to tell me if you persist in your refusal."
"The five minutes you so generously grant me are unnecessary; my resolution is unbending: you shall only have the papers with my life."
"Very good; you will die," he said as he rose.
He took his revolvers, uncocked them, and laid on the table at the other end of the room; then returning to the guerillero and drawing his machete, he asked—