Although, therefore, he had no stomach for battle, he was oppressed by a misgiving lest the whole transaction had been in some way planned to expose him to ridicule; and for this reason he was disposed to treat Freeman's peaceful overtures with suspicion.

His heart did not respond to those overtures, but neither was it stout enough to enable him to reject them explicitly.

Accordingly, he adopted that middle course which, in spite of the proverb, is not seldom the least expedient.

He disregarded the proffered hand, bowed very stiffly, and, saying, "Senor, I am satisfied," stalked off with all the rigidity of one in whose veins flows the sangre azul of Old Castile.

Freeman smiled superior upon his retreat, and then, producing a cigar-case, proceeded to light up with the professor.