"Yes, sir," don Andrés replied, offering the officer one of his pistols.
The latter took it, turned it over in his hands, and then raised his head with an air of disappointment.
"I do not know how to use these weapons," he said.
"Oh, that is very easy," El Rayo courteously replied, "and you will be perfectly acquainted with their mechanism in an instant. Señor don Andrés, be kind enough to explain to this caballero the very simple management of these weapons."
The Spaniard obeyed, and the officer at once comprehended the explanation that was given him.
"Now, señor don Felipe," El Rayo resumed, still cold and impassive, "listen to me attentively. I consent to give you this satisfaction on the condition that whatever the issue of the combat may be, you agree to turn back immediately after, leaving señor don Andrés and his daughter at liberty to continue their journey if they may think proper: do you agree to this?"
"Certainly, señor."
"Very good. Now, then, this is what you and I are going to do; so soon as we have dismounted we will station ourselves twenty paces from each other: does that distance suit you?"
"Perfectly, Excellency."
"Good; then at a signal given by me, you will fire the six shots of your revolver; after that I will fire, but only once, as we are in a hurry."