When he entered the fonda half an hour later, the awe in which he
was held by the half superstitious ruffians appeared to have
increased. Whatever story the fugitive Miguel had told his
companions regarding Pereo's protection of the young stranger, it
was certain that it had its full effect. Obsequious to the last
degree, the landlord was so profoundly touched, when Pereo, not
displeased with this evidence of his power over his countrymen,
condescendingly offered to click glasses with him, that he
endeavored to placate him still further.
"It is a pity your worship was not here earlier," he began, with a
significant glance at the others, "to have seen a gallant young
stranger that was here. A spice of wickedness about him, truly--a
kind of Don Caesar--but bearing himself like a very caballero
always. It would have pleased your worship, who likes not those
canting Puritans such as our neighbor yonder."
"Ah," said Pereo, reflectively, warming under the potent fires of
flattery and aguardiente, "possibly I HAVE seen him. He was like--"
"Like none of the dogs thou hast seen about San Antonio,"
interrupted the landlord. "Scarcely did he seem Americano, though
he spoke no Spanish."
The old man chuckled to himself viciously. "And thou, thou old
fool, Pereo, must needs see a likeness to thine enemy in this poor
runaway child--this fugitive Don Juan! He! he!" Nevertheless, he
still felt a vague terror of the condition of mind which had
produced this fancy, and drank so deeply to dispel his nervousness
that it was with difficulty he could mount his horse again.
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