Robledo broke out into exclamations of scandalized impatience.
“But what do you take me for? Do you think that I am going in for any of your nonsense, and make a fool of myself just to keep you company?”
And he went on with a vigorous tirade against Pirovani’s absurd request, the latter nodding obstinately all the while. He was determined to face everything now after what Elena had said.
“I am a man of humble birth,” he said, “I know nothing except how to work; and I’ve got to show everybody that I’m not afraid of this gentleman, accustomed as he is to handling weapons.”
Robledo shrugged at these words, more absurd than anything that had preceded them. Finally he grew tired of his useless protests.
“I see that I might as well give up my attempts to knock a little common sense into you. Very well; I’ll consent to acting as your representative, but on condition that the affair be settled by reason and not by a duel.”
The contractor assumed the attitude becoming to a gentleman whose honor has just been slighted.
“No. I wish to have a duel ... and to the death. I am not a coward and I didn’t come here to find a way out.”
Then he gave expression to what he was thinking.
“Although I never had much education, I know what ought to be done in cases like this one. And further, I know how certain people of high station look at it. I must fight, and I shall fight.”