"Pardieu!" he said at last, "It is an extraordinary affair! A duel in Mexico and with a Mexican! Such a thing as that has never been heard of before."
"It is true, caballero; but all things must have a beginning."
"Enough of jesting. I ask nothing better than to fight, and I hope to prove to you that I am a resolute man; but before accepting your proposition, I should not be sorry to know why you force me to fight you."
"For what end?"
"Corbleu! Why, to know it. You must understand that I cannot waste my time in fighting with every ruffler I meet on the road, and who has a fancy to have his throat cut."
"It will be enough for you to know that I hate you."
"Caramba! I suspected as much; but as you seem determined not to show me your face, I should like to be able to recognise you at another time."
"Enough chattering," the unknown said haughtily. "Time is flying. We have had sufficient discussion."
"Well, my master, if that is the case, get ready. I warn you that I intend to take you both. A Frenchman would never have any difficulty in holding his own against two Mexican bandits."
"As you please."