"Señor, you will pardon me. We knew all the time you were telling us the precise truth. What I said was by way of jest. Esteban, there, misunderstood, because he is a little dull. There is just one other point Esteban does not understand, and I confess it puzzled me a bit, too. But I will not ask it if you are angry, señor. Perhaps, after all, we would better talk of other things. I think you have lost patience with your two poor stupid friends."
"No," denied the drummer, rather ashamed of his little outbreak, "I haven't lost patience, but you don't seem to believe what I tell you."
"Oh, sí, señor! yes we do!" chorused the two, earnestly. "Caramba! We would not think of doubting a caballero's word!"
"Well, then, what's your question?"
"Exactly this: you are not a military man?"
"No."
"You are going to fight at San Geronimo as a trooper?"
"Yes."
"You came here to sell hardware?"
"Yes."