"Ah, they appear to me tolerably clear at this moment."
"You might be mistaken."
"I do not believe it. However, I shall soon be certain."
"What are you doing?"
"As you see, I am dismounting."
In fact, the American leapt from his horse, drew his pistols from the holsters, and walked toward the monk with a most quiet step and thoroughly natural air.
"Why do you not go, as I advised you to do?" Fray Antonio continued.
"For two reasons, my dear Señor. The first is, that I have no orders or advice to receive from you; the second, because I shall not be sorry to be present at the pretty little act of scoundrelism you are of course meditating."
"Then your intention is—"
"To defend my friend, by Heaven!" the American exclaimed, warmly.