“‘Si,’ he say. ‘Tiene usted razón, but I shall walk.’ So he place his legs upon the ground beneath the water, which is not extensive in that place, and coom to shore.
“‘Will you try heem again?’ I say.
“‘Causa admiración!’ he say, ‘I theenk not. No sé the habeets of the little can-ooo.’
“So he send a naygro for stimulant, the which I eembibe, while he mek change of hees attire at hees house.
“When he has returned he say to me: ‘Let us behold you master thees bo-at of eenstabeelity. Can you mek heem go?’
“By thees time those stimulant have made my heart strong, my cour-rrage severe. Am I not American citizen? What ees eet? I tell heem that moment:
“‘I can pool eet with the stick; I can put in the sail and fly over the water like a sheep. Do you wish to see?’
“All the ladies and Señor Córdova cry out they will not let me be so dangerous. But I am resolved. Señorita Margarita Córdova is a yoong lady ver-ree beautiful. I am an American citizen. I tek anuzzer glass of aguardiente—brandee. What do I care for one can-ooo? Two? Three? I send the naygro for the sail in a steady voice: ‘Pepe, go at once and get the sail.’
“Señor Córdova says he will resist, but I pay no attencion. I place the pole; I feex the strings; I adjoost the ruddle; I put een three large stone for ballass.
“‘Once more,’ say the ladies, ‘let us intreat—’