e open, our best way will be
to approach gently, then go through at a gallop. If shut, we'll be
called upon to show our best diplomacy. Leave all that to me. Failing
to fool the guard, we must do battle with it. Anything's better than be
taken back to the Acordada. That would be sure death for me; and, if I
mistake not, for yourself, Senor."

"I'm sure of it. If we can't get through without, let us fight our way,
whatever the result."

"Take this pair, then. They seem the most reliable. You _Americanos_
are more skilled in the use of fire-arms than we. With us steel is
preferred. But I'll do the best I can with the other pair."

This had reference to two pairs of pistols discovered under the carriage
cushions. Nor were they the only weapons there; besides them were two
long-bladed knives, and a pearl-handled stiletto--the last a tiny
affair, which looked as though taken from the toilet case of a lady.

"See that yours are loaded and in firing order," Rivas added, at the
same time looking to his own.

The injunction was not needed, as the Irishman was already examining the
weapons put into his hand, with a view to their efficiency.

Both pair of pistols were of the old-fashioned duelling kind--
flintlocks, with barrels nearly a foot in length. Like as not the
Condesa's father and Don Ignacio Valverde, in days long gone by, had
vindicated honour with them.

The inspection was quick and short, as had been all that preceded; pans
sprung open, showing them filled with powder; rammers run into the
barrels, then drawn out again, and replaced in their thimbles.

"Mine," said Kearney, first to report, "are good for two lives."

"And mine the same," rejoined Rivas, "unless I'm laid low before I can
pull the second trigger. Now to dispose of the knives. My countryman,
the _cochero_, however trustworthy, mustn't show fight. That would ruin
all afterwards. But, if I mistake not, your colossal comrade is the man
to make play with one of them in a pinch."

"You may be sure of it. He was in the Alamo with Bowie, and at Goliad
with Fanning. Don't fear putting a knife into his hands; he'll make
good use of it if we're driven to close quarters."

"Let him have it, then. You give it, and tell him all."

Kearney getting hold of one of the two knives, that seeming best suited
for the hands he designed putting it in, passed it on to Cris Rock--not
through the carriage window, but a hole cut in the leathern hood