"I thought it might be a good plan to start at, say, fifteen, and advance firing.

In that way, one or other of us will be certain to do something sooner or later.

Would that arrangement be agreeable to Senor de Mendoza ?" "Valga me Dios! I am content," said the latter, fetching a deep breath, and setting his teeth.

"I will keep my weapon." "Muy buen," returned the American.

"So now let us take our ground: that is, if you are quite ready ?" Accordingly they selected their stations, facing respectively about north and south, with the planet of love between them, as it were.
"Oblige me by giving the word, senor," said Freeman, cocking his weapon.
But Don Miguel was staring with perturbed visage at something behind his antagonist.