These he gave in charge to an alfaqui to deliver to Pedro de Vargas.

"Tell him," said he, "that I crave his pardon for not having sent these cattle sooner; but I have this moment learnt the nature of his rights, and I hasten to satisfy them with the punctuality due to so worthy a cavalier.

Tell him, at the same time, that I had no idea the alcayde of Gibraltar was so active and vigilant in collecting his tolls." The brave alcayde relished the stern soldier-like pleasantry of the old Moorish monarch.

He ordered a rich silken vest and a scarlet mantle to be given to the alfaqui, and dismissed him with great courtesy.

"Tell His Majesty," said he, "that I kiss his hands for the honor he has done me, and regret that my scanty force has not permitted me to give him a more signal reception on his coming into these parts.