“Do you wish to make a wager concerning that?”
“A couple of pieces of gold, dear Claudio!”
“Done! It is only fair to say, however, that I shall exchange the mule for a horse somewhere along the highway. And I shall have many hours the start of you.”
“Travellers along the highway are stopped at times, my dear Claudio, even when they carry his excellency’s pass.”
The caballero’s face darkened an instant as he looked at the other man. Then he laughed nervously, and emptied his wine cup with a single swallow, and arose. He picked up the guitar and struck a chord or two, and laughed again, almost in the other’s face. It was bravado and insolence mingled.
Sergeant Cassara was growling admiration of the caballero’s manner; the ensign feared trouble between these two guests of his. To the ears of those in the barracks-room came the tinklings of bells as a neophyte led the mule to the door.
“I thank you for your hospitality, ensign,” the caballero said. “Perhaps at some future day you may be my guest. Here are a couple of pieces of gold—give your soldiers wine in my name. Perhaps the neophyte will hand a piece to the padre at the mission for me? I have not the time to stop.”
“I’ll see it done, señor,” the ensign replied.
“And do you continue your sword practice, sergeant,” he went on. “You have the making of a fencer in you, I do believe.”
“Now, by the good saint——”