"Explain yourself, señor, and if, as I mistrust, you mean to insult me, I will make you better acquainted with my good knife," and he tapped the knife significantly.
"It is an acquaintance which I do not court," said Randall, shrugging his shoulders. "But it appears to me that it is not well talking without something to moisten the throat. I shall be happy to have you drink with me."
"I beg your pardon, señor, for my suspicions, which, I see, were wrong. I see that you are a gentleman. Henceforth I will treat you as such."
"I thought you would learn to know me better," said Randall, filling both glasses; "let me drink to our better acquaintance."
Both sat down very amicably. The glass had made them friends.
"I should like to ask your advice on a certain point," said Randall.
"I will give it with pleasure."
"I have an enemy—a deadly foe—whom I detest. What would you do if you were in my place?"
"You say he is your deadly foe?"