his unspeakable mortification, that
Peregil, in his abundant care, had taken the key. Time being precious,
Don Rodrigo, afraid of causing a disturbance, was fain to avail himself
of the benefit of an ill-favoured looking mule that stood ready saddled
in an outhouse. He doubted not that Peregil would bring his horse after
him, and render compensation for the mule, which indeed, from the
miserable appearance of the beast, would be no difficult matter.

Accordingly, after making his way to the place appointed, he waited two
whole hours in a state of extreme anxiety and suspense, alarmed at
every noise lest it should be a pursuit, and only consoling himself with
the idea, that when his horse should arrive he could soon place himself
out of the reach of danger.

At length he descried his valet advancing at a most leisurely pace, not
mounted on his own strong horse, and leading a beautiful Arabian, but
bestriding a miserable jackass, which required constant application of
the whip. Of this Peregil was by no means sparing, to induce him to move
at even the slowest pace a jackass is capable of travelling.

"Peregil, thou imp of Satan, where is my horse?" impatiently demanded
Don Rodrigo.

"At the inn," sullenly answered the valet.

"At the inn, thou rascal! why didst thou not bring it, knowing, as you
ought, that my life is in jeopardy?"

"For a very good reason," replied Peregil, "because they would not let
me. You need only blame yourself, Senor, for since your honor scruples
not to make free with the reverend friar's mule, you ought not to be
surprised if his reverence takes the same liberty with your horse."

"By _Santiago de Compostela_,[20] this is past bearing," cried Don
Rodrigo. "How can the rogue of a friar conscientiously take my beautiful
Arabian for this worthless mule? What! has the man of God no
conscience?"

"I did not inquire that, Senor, but I rather think he is not
overburthened by the manner he has dealt with me.--Oh! if I could catch
his reverence by himself, I would so belabour his shaven skull, as not
to leave it in want of razors for the future."

"Well, but how comest thou by that contemptible jackass?" demanded Don
Rodrigo, angrily.

"Gently, Senor, gently; since the master shows such a predilection for
mules, it is not to be wondered if the valet evinces a similar taste for
jackasses."

"Villain! darest thou jest at this time and on such a subject?"

"Aye, 'tis no laughing matter, sure