"That or something else which provokes laughter," answered Ventura, at which all laughed.
"It is lucky for you," retorted Perico, in a choked voice, "that I am not armed."
"Shut your mouth!" exclaimed Ventura, with a rude laugh. "How bold the pet lamb is getting! Leave off bravado, pious youth; don't be picking quarrels, but go home and wipe your children's noses."
At these words Perico precipitated himself upon Ventura. The latter recoiled before the sudden shock, but immediately recovered himself, and with the strength and agility which were natural to him, seized Perico by the middle, threw him to the ground, and put his knee upon his breast.
Fortunately Perico did not carry a knife, and Ventura did not draw his; but instead the latter clenched both hands upon Perico's throat, repeating furiously:
"You! You! that I can tear to pieces with three fingers; do you lay your hands upon me? You! a killer of locusts, a coward, a chicken, brought up under your mother's wing. You to me! to me!"
At this instant Pedro entered.
"Ventura!" he shouted, "Ventura! What are you doing? what are you doing, madman?"
At the sight of his father, Ventura loosed his grasp upon Perico and stood up.