the gage of battle had not fallen
upon Seth himself, so much more worthy in every way of the distinction.

If I seemed full of attention to all he was saying, my thoughts, in
truth be it spoken, were travelling a vastly different road. I was
engaged in the performance of a little mental catechism, which ran
somewhat in this wise: "If you escape this peril, Master Con, will it
not be wise to eschew fandangoes in future,--or, at least, not indulge
in them with other men's sweethearts? Beware, besides, of horse-dealers,
of Xeres and Paquaretta; and, above all, of such indiscretions as may
make the 'Seth Chisellers' of this world your masters!" Ay, there was
the sum and substance of my sorrows: that unlucky step about "Charry"
and the lottery-ticket placed me in a situation from which there was no
issue. I now saw, what many have seen before, and many will doubtless
see again, that crime has other penalties besides legal ones, and that
the difficulty of conforming to an assumed good character, with even
_one_ lapse from the path of honesty, is very considerable.

"Are you attending to me, lad?" cried Seth, impatiently. "I was telling
you about the cross-guard for the head."

"I have not heard one word of it," said I, frankly; "nor is it of the
least consequence. All the talk in the world could n't make a swordsman,
still less would a few passing hints like those you give me. If the
villano be the better man, there's an end of the matter."

Seth, less convinced by my reasonings than offended at them, spoke no
more, and we approached the Molino in silence. As we neared the spot, we
perceived the party seated in a little arbor, and by their gestures,
as well as by a most savory odor of garlic, evidently eating their
breakfast.

"The fellows are jolly," said Seth: "had we not better follow their
example? Here is a nice spot, and a table just at hand." At the same
time he called out, "Muchacho, pan el vino en la mesa, and we 'll think
of somewhat to eat."

I tried to play indifferent, and seem at my ease; but it was no use.
The vicinity of the other group, and, in particular, of a certain
broad-shouldered member of it whom I could detect through the leaves,
and who certainly did not eat with the air of a man who felt it to be
his last breakfast, spoiled all my efforts, and nipped them even as they
budded.

"You don't eat," said Seth; "look at the villano yonder."

"I see him," said I, curtly.

"See how he lays in his