l you ever speak to her again?"

"Ay, that will I--in a way that'll make her listen to me."

"But, surely, you don't still intend proposing to her?"

"Perhaps. Though not till I've finished this affair with the fellow who
interrupted me. Yes; I'll give her every chance to save herself. She
shall say yea, or nay, in straight speech, and in so many words. After
that, I'll understand how to act. But come! we're wasting time. A
duel's a thing won't do to dally over. Do you intend to meet your man,
or not?"

"I'd rather not," replies the poltroon, hesitatingly; "that is, if the
thing can be arranged. Do you think it can, De Lara?"

"Of course, it can; your _thing_, as you call it; though not without
disgrace to you. You should fight him, Faustino."

"Well; if you say I should, why, I suppose I must. I never fired a
pistol in my life, and am only second-rate with the sword. I can handle
a _machete_, or a _cuchilla_, when occasion calls for it; but these
weapons won't be admitted in a duel between gentlemen. I suppose the
sailor fellow claims to be one?"

"Undoubtedly he does, and with good reason. An officer belonging to a
British man-of-war would call you out for questioning his claim to the
epithet. But I think you underrate your skill with the small-sword.
I've seen you doing very well with that weapon--at Roberto's
fencing-school."

"Yes; I took lessons there. But fencing is very different from
fighting."

"Never mind. When you get on the duelling-ground, fancy yourself within
the walls of Roberto's shooting-gallery, and that you are about to take
a fresh lesson in the _art d'escrime_. About all, choose the sword for
your weapon."

"How can I, if I am to be the challenger?"

"You needn't be. There's a way to get over that. The English officers
are not going straight back to their ship; not likely before a late hour
of the night. After returning from their ride, I take it they'll stay
to dinner at Don Gregorio's; and with wine to give them a start, they'll
be pretty sure to have a cruise, as they call it, through the town.
There, you may meet your man; and can insult him, by giving him a cuff,
spitting in his face--anything to put the onus of challenging upon him."

"_Por Dios_! I'll do as you say."

"That's right. Now let us think of what's before us. As we are both to
be principals, we can't stand seconds to one another. I know who'll act
for me. Have you got a friend you can call