y, he was determined
not to leave a soul alive in the castle, excepting those to whom he
might show mercy at the governor's desire.

The landlord, whose anxiety was increased by this alarming threat, went
and fetched a book in which he kept his accounts, and came back,
attended by a boy who carried a stump of candle, and by the two damsels
aforesaid. Then, bidding Don Quixote to kneel before him, he began to
murmur words from his book, in the tone of one who was saying his
prayers, and in the midst of his reading he raised his hand and gave Don
Quixote a smart blow on the neck, and then taking the sword laid it
gently on his shoulder, muttering all the time between his teeth with
the same air of devotion. Then he directed one of the ladies to gird on
his sword, which she did with equal liveliness and discretion--and she
had much need of the latter quality to prevent an explosion of
laughter--; however, the specimen which the new knight had just given of
his prowess kept their merriment in check.

When his spurs had been buckled on by the other damsel, the ceremony was
completed, and after some further compliments Don Quixote saddled
Rozinante and rode forth, a new-made knight, ready to astonish the world
with feats of arms and chivalry. The innkeeper, who was glad to see the
last of him, let him go without making any charge for what he had
consumed.

V. ON HONOR'S FIELD

On leaving the inn Don Quixote turned his horse's steps homewards, being
resolved to obtain a supply of money, and, above all, to provide himself
with a squire before seeking more distant scenes of adventure. Presently
he came to a cross-road, and after hesitating a moment, he resolved to
imitate his favorite heroes by leaving the direction to his steed, who
immediately took the nearest way to his stable. After advancing about
two leagues, our knight came in view of a great troop of people, who, as
it afterwards turned out, were merchants of Toledo, on their way to
Murcia to buy silk. There were six of them jogging comfortably along
under their umbrellas, with four servants on horseback, and three
mule-drivers walking and leading their beasts.

Here was a new opportunity, as Don Quixote thought, of displaying his
knightly valor, so he settled himself firmly in his stirrups, grasped
his lance, covered his breast with his shield, and stood waiting for the
arrival of those knights-errant,--for such he judged them to be; and
when they were come with