Here, Senor Coronel, try the _guisado de pato_." "Thank you," stammered the major; "you are very kind.

Curse the thing! how it burns!" "Do you think he understands English ?" inquired Clayey of me in a whisper.
"I should think not," I replied.
"Well, then, I wish to say aloud that this old chap's a superb old gent.
What say you, Major?
Don't you wish we had him on the lines ?" "I wish his kitchen were a little nearer the lines," replied the other, with a wink.
"Senor Coronel, permit me--" "What is it, my dear Don ?" inquired the major.
"_Pasteles de Moctezuma_." "Oh, certainly.

I say, lads, I don't know what the plague I'm eating-- it's not bad to take, though." "Senor Coronel, allow me to help you to a _guana_ steak." "A guana steak!" echoed the major, in some surprise.
"_Si, Senor_," replied Don Cosme, holding the steak on his fork.
"A guana steak! Do you think, lads, he means the ugly things we saw at Lobos." "To be sure--why not ?" "Then, by Jove, I'm through! I can't go lizards.

Thank you, my dear Don Cosme; I believe I have dined." "Try this; it is very tender, I assure you," insisted Don Cosme.
"Come, try it, Major, and report," cried Clayey.
"Good--you're like the apothecary that poisoned his dog to try the effect of his nostrums.

Well,"-- with an oath--"here goes! It can't be very bad, seeing how our friend gets it down.