I was thinking, this afternoon, as I passed through here, what an ideal spot it was for just such a little affair as you and I are bent on.

But I didn't venture to anticipate such speedy good fortune as your obliging condescension has brought to pass, Don Miguel." "Caramba!" muttered the senor, shivering.

He might have said more, but was unwilling to trust his voice, or to waste nervous energy.
Meanwhile, Freeman had dismounted, and was tethering his horse.

It occurred to the senor that it would be easy to pull his gun, send a bullet through his companion, and gallop away.

He did not yield to this temptation, partly from traditional feeling that it would not be suitable conduct for a De Mendoza, partly because he might miss the shot or only inflict a wound, and partly because such deeds demand a nerve which, at that moment, was not altogether at his command.