im also to be descended from an oriental race. The ease with which his
rider managed him, and his firm graceful seat in the saddle, betokened a
horseman of the first quality.

His costume was both costly and elegant. A vest of unbleached cambric
suited well the heat of the climate. His limbs were covered with
_calzoneros_ of silk velvet of a bright purple colour; while boots of
buff leather, armed with long glancing spurs, encased his feet. A hat
of _vicuna_ cloth, with its trimming of gold lace, completed a costume
half-military, half-civilian. To strengthen its military character a
rapier in a leathern sheath hung from his waist-belt, and a carbine,
suspended in front, rested against the pommel of his saddle.

"_Puez, amigo_!" said the newly-arrived horseman, after a pause, and
glancing significantly at the back of the traveller. "May I ask if you
have far to go upon that horse?"

"No, thank goodness!" replied the other; "only to the hacienda of San
Salvador; which, if I'm not mistaken, is scarce six leagues distant."

"San Salvador? I think I've heard the name. Is it not near to an
estate called hacienda of Las Palmas?"

"Within two leagues of it, I believe."

"Ah! then we are following the same route," said he in the laced cap; "I
fear, however," he continued, checking the ardour of his steed, "that
there will soon be some distance between us. Your horse does not appear
to be in any particular hurry?"

The last speech was accompanied by a significant smile.

"It is quite true," rejoined the other, also smiling, as he spoke; "and
more than once upon my journey I have had reason to blame the mistaken
economy of my good father, who, instead of letting me have a proper
roadster, has munificently furnished me with a steed that has escaped
from the horns of all the bulls of the Valladolid Circus; the
consequence of which is, that the poor beast cannot see even a cow on
the distant horizon without taking to his heels in the opposite
direction."

"_Carrambo_! and do you mean to say you have come all the way from
Valladolid on that sorry hack?"

"Indeed, yes, Senor--only I have been two months on the way."

Just then the Rosinante of the circus, roused by the presence of the
other horse, appeared to pique himself on a point of honour, and made an
effort to keep up with his new companion. Thanks to the courtesy of the
moustached cavalier, who continued to restrain the ardour of his fine
steed, the two h