moment without making answer. He was
evidently gratified by the noble offer. His countenance showed that he
was deeply touched by the kindness of the youth. "No," said he, at
length; "no, Don Juan. I thank you with all my heart, but I cannot take
your purse--one onza, nothing more. I should like to stake one against
the Comandante."

"As many as you please," urged the ranchero.

"Thank you, Don Juan! only one--that with my own will be two.--Two
onzas!--that, in faith, is the largest bet I have ever made. _Vaya_! a
poor cibolero staking a double onza!"

"Well, then," replied Don Juan, "if you don't, I shall. Colonel
Vizcarra!" said he aloud, addressing himself to the Comandante, "I
suppose you would like to win back your wager. Carlos will now take
your bet for the onza, and I challenge you to place ten."

"Agreed!" said the Comandante, stiffly.

"Dare you double it?" inquired the ranchero.

"Dare I, sir?" echoed the Colonel, indignant at being thus challenged in
the presence of the spectators. "Quadruple it, if you wish, sir."

"Quadruple then!" retorted the other. "Forty onzas that Carlos performs
the feat!"

"Enough! deposit your stakes!"

The golden coins were counted out, and held by one of the bystanders,
and judges were appointed.

The arrangements having been completed, the spectators drew back upon
the plain, and left the cibolero in full possession of the promontory--
alone with his horse.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

All stood watching him with interested eyes. Every movement was noted.

He first alighted from the saddle, stripped off his manga, had it
carried back and placed out of the way. He next looked to his spurs, to
see that the straps were properly buckled. After this he re-tied his
sash, and placed the sombrero firmly on his head. He buttoned his
velveteen calzoneros down nearly to his ankles, so that their leathern
bottoms might not flap open and discommode him. His hunting-knife along
with his "whip" were sent back to the charge of Don Juan.

His attention was next turned to his horse, that stood all this while
curving his neck proudly as though he divined that he was to be called
upon for some signal service. The bridle was first scrutinised. The
great bit--a Mameluke--was carefully examined, lest there might be some
flaw or crack in the steel. The head-strap was buckled to its proper
tightness, and then the reins were minutely scanned. These were of the
hair of wild h