was anxious for a row, and determined to give him a
little lesson in the proprieties. I had not been very popular for some
time, and was glad of the opportunity to show them what I was able to
accomplish if the occasion should arise. Accordingly, I took my revolver
from my pocket, and, bidding one of the bystanders toss a coin into the
air, clipped it first shot.

"'Now,' I said, turning to the individual who, a moment before, had been
so anxious to have my blood, 'you have seen what I can do with this
little instrument. I am even better when the target is a man. Perhaps
you are still dissatisfied with my behaviour.'

"'No, Senor,' he replied. 'Allow me to say that I am more than
satisfied.'

"'Very good,' I answered. 'In that case you will oblige me by drinking
with me.'

"Turning to the landlord, I ordered a glass of _Agoadente de Cana_, and
when it had been supplied to me once more addressed my antagonist.

"'Let us clink glasses together,' I said, holding mine out to him.

"'But I have no glass,' he replied, and thinking that I did not intend
to provide it, was about to order some refreshment for himself.

"'One moment,' I answered; 'there is a glass upon the table. Oblige me
by drinking what it contains.'

"This he absolutely refused to do, knowing, of course, that it was
drugged. I was firm, however. He had had an opportunity of playing his
game and had failed, and now I was going to try mine.

"'Pick it up,' I said, 'and drink what it contains without further
delay. If it is good enough for our friend here, it is surely good
enough for you.'

"Once more he refused to do as I ordered.

"'I am sorry for that,' I said. 'It seems a pity you should be so
anxious to quarrel with me. Let me say, once and for all, that you must
either drink, or show me your skill with that weapon in your belt. There
is no middle course.'

"On hearing this his swarthy skin turned a sort of sickly green. The man
was a coward right through. He did not want to fight after what he had
seen of my skill with the revolver, and it was equally certain he had no
desire to drink the mixture he had himself prepared. Eventually I gave
him three minutes to decide, and, at the expiration of the time, had the
happiness to persuade him to decide in favour of my proposal.

"'Your health, Senor,' I said, tossing off the contents of my own glass.
'Your health, and, if you will permit me to wish them to you, pleasant
dreams.'

"If he had had