“Dare I, sir?” echoed the Colonel, indignant at being thus challenged in the presence of the spectators. “Quadruple it, if you wish, sir.”
“Quadruple then!” retorted the other. “Forty onzas that Carlos performs the feat!”
“Enough! deposit your stakes!”
The golden coins were counted out, and held by one of the bystanders, and judges were appointed.
The arrangements having been completed, the spectators drew back upon the plain, and left the cibolero in full possession of the promontory—alone with his horse.
Chapter Seven.
All stood watching him with interested eyes. Every movement was noted.
He first alighted from the saddle, stripped off his manga, had it carried back and placed out of the way. He next looked to his spurs, to see that the straps were properly buckled. After this he re-tied his sash, and placed the sombrero firmly on his head. He buttoned his velveteen calzoneros down nearly to his ankles, so that their leathern bottoms might not flap open and discommode him. His hunting-knife along with his “whip” were sent back to the charge of Don Juan.