"Turning to the landlord, I ordered a glass of Agoadente de Cana, and when it had been supplied to me once more addressed my antagonist.
"'Let us clink glasses together,' I said, holding mine out to him.
"'But I have no glass,' he replied, and thinking that I did not intend to provide it, was about to order some refreshment for himself.
"'One moment,' I answered; 'there is a glass upon the table. Oblige me by drinking what it contains.'
"This he absolutely refused to do, knowing, of course, that it was drugged. I was firm, however. He had had an opportunity of playing his game and had failed, and now I was going to try mine.
"'Pick it up,' I said, 'and drink what it contains without further delay. If it is good enough for our friend here, it is surely good enough for you.'
"Once more he refused to do as I ordered.
"'I am sorry for that,' I said. 'It seems a pity you should be so anxious to quarrel with me. Let me say, once and for all, that you must either drink, or show me your skill with that weapon in your belt. There is no middle course.'
"On hearing this his swarthy skin turned a sort of sickly green. The man was a coward right through. He did not want to fight after what he had seen of my skill with the revolver, and it was equally certain he had no desire to drink the mixture he had himself prepared. Eventually I gave him three minutes to decide, and, at the expiration of the time, had the happiness to persuade him to decide in favour of my proposal.
"'Your health, Señor,' I said, tossing off the contents of my own glass. 'Your health, and, if you will permit me to wish them to you, pleasant dreams.'