d 'Merikin speculations they reckon is. And speakin' on the square,
it ain't NAT'RAL."

Don Jose sprang to his feet and began to pace up and down his cell-like
study. "Ah, I remember now," he muttered, "I begin to comprehend:
Father Felipe's homilies and discourses! My aunt's too affectionate
care! My cousin's discreet consideration! The prompt attention of my
servants! I see it all! And you," he said, suddenly facing Roberto,
"why come you to tell me this?"

"Well, boss," said the American dryly, "I reckoned to stand by you."

"Ah," said Don Jose, visibly affected. "Good Roberto, come hither,
child, you may kiss my hand."

"If! it's all the same to you, Don Kosay,--THAT kin slide."

"Ah, if--yes," said Don Jose, meditatively putting his hand to his
forehead, "miserable that I am!--I remembered not you were Americano.
Pardon, my friend--embrace me--Conpanero y Amigo."

With characteristic gravity he reclined for a moment upon Robert's
astonished breast. Then recovering himself with equal gravity he
paused, lifted his hand with gentle warning, marched to a recess in the
corner, unhooked a rapier hanging from the wall, and turned to his
companion.

"We will defend ourselves, friend Roberto. It is the sword of the
Comandante--my ancestor. The blade is of Toledo."

"An ordinary six-shooter of Colt's would lay over that," said Roberto
grimly--"but that ain't your game just now, Don Kosay. You must get up
and get, and at once. You must vamose the ranch afore they lay hold of
you and have you up before the alcalde. Once away from here, they
daren't follow you where there's 'Merikin law, and when you kin fight
'em in the square."

"Good," said Don Jose with melancholy preciseness. "You are wise,
friend Roberto. We may fight them later, as you say--on the square, or
in the open Plaza. And you, camarado, YOU shall go with me--you and
your mare."

Sincere as the American had been in his offer of service, he was
somewhat staggered at this imperative command. But only for a moment.
"Well," he said lazily, "I don't care if I do."

"But," said Don Jose with increased gravity, "you SHALL care, friend
Roberto. We shall make an alliance, an union. It is true, my brother,
you drink of whiskey, and at such times are even as a madman. It has
been recounted to me that it was necessary to your existence that you
are a lunatic three days of the week. Who knows? I myself, though I
drink not of aguardiente, a