“Softly, softly, officer. I insinuate nothing,” the mule’s owner replied. “Our friend at the other end of the table began this precaution, and it is no more than polite to continue it. You will cut the cards and kill the top half of the deck?” The ensign did as he was requested and sat down again. The mule’s owner put out a hand and took the top card. He threw it face upward on the table. “The ten of diamonds!” he said. “It is my lucky card, _señor_.” Without hesitation the caballero drew the next card and flipped it over. “The king of diamonds!” he said. “’Tis by far the luckier card in this instance, _señor_. I believe the mule is mine?” “The mule is yours--guitar and all.” The caballero arose and bowed. “Then I must depart from this hospitable post as soon as the neophyte fetches the beast to the door,” he said. “May I add, _señor_, that I hope you are able to procure a horse within a short time?” “Your solicitude for my welfare overwhelms me,” said the man who owned the mule no longer. “I shall be in San Diego de Alcalá before you, however.” “Do you wish to make a wager concerning that?” “A couple of pieces of gold, dear Claudio!” “Done! It is only fair to say, however, that I shall exchange the mule for a horse somewhere along the highway. And I shall have many hours the start of you.” “Travellers along the highway are stopped at times, my dear Claudio, even when they carry his excellency’s pass.” The caballero’s face darkened an instant as he looked at the other man. Then he laughed nervously, and emptied his wine cup with a single swallow, and arose. He picked up the guitar and struck a chord or two, and laughed again, almost in the other’s face. It was bravado and insolence mingled. Sergeant Cassara was growling admiration of the caballero’s manner; the ensign feared trouble between these two guests of his. To the ears of those in the barracks-room came the tinklings of bells as a neophyte led the mule to the door. “I thank you for your hospitality, ensign,” the caballero said. “Perhaps at some future day you may be my guest. Here are a couple of pieces of gold--give your soldiers wine in my name. Perhaps the neophyte will hand a piece to the padre at the mission for me? I have not the time to stop.” “I’ll see it done, _señor_,” the ensign replied. “And do you continue your sword practice, sergeant,” he went on. “You have the making of a fencer in you, I do believe.” “Now, by the good saint----” “As for you, _señor_,” he continued, fating the man who had owned the mule, “I suppose we’ll meet in San Diego de Alcalá?” “You may be sure of that, _señor_, if you live to reach the mission there.” “_Adios_, then, kind friends! I am none too familiar with the gaits of a mule, yet no doubt I can make shift to travel. Ah, yes! My guitar!”