“In the daytime I could have recognized them, but in the dark all I could see was their two bodies. When they found me there why did they not come to me and tell me that I was disturbing them?” “Excuse me,” said Señor Alonso, “but since you are talking in a loud voice and I am not deaf—” “Well, say what you please.” “Since you kept silent and did not draw your sword, why do you think it strange that they did the same? And besides, are you sure that they looked at the same balcony and had the same object in view as yourself?” “From the place where they stood—” “It seems to me that I know one of your supposed rivals.” “Indeed?” said the black-eyed quickly. “As surely as this wine is from Arganda,” answered Señor Alonso, raising his glass to drink. “And Crispin here cannot deny that it is Arganda wine.” “And I know the other rival,” said the stout man. Two sparks shot from the eyes of the youngest, and he sprang to his feet. “Vive el cielo!” he cried. “What are their names?” “Here is one,” said Señor Alonso, pointing to their chubby companion, who rose, and standing behind his chair as though to make a rampart of it, laid his hand on his sword and said quietly, “And you can see the other now.” “Rayos!” “Por el infierno!” The three swords flashed, but for a moment the hidalgos stood motionless and silent. “Dios misericordioso!” exclaimed the innkeeper in accents of terror. “What are you going to do? Have you all taken leave of your senses? At least wait until you are sure that you have not made a mistake. And then, how are you going to fight? There are three of you, and all enemies.” “Let me alone.” “How can I let you alone when you are trying to ruin me? The police have never entered my house as yet, but if they should once succeed, everything would be lost, and my reputation ruined.” “That will do.” “You must talk like reasonable beings, until you are convinced that there is no possible agreement.” “It is impossible. I would sooner die than yield.” “And I, too.” “I say so, too,” said the chubby-cheeked. “The love of that enchanting being is my life.” “To me it is happiness.” “And I have lost my senses through her looks.” “Well, let her belong to the bravest or the luckiest.” “I suppose you are not going to kill each other _here_,” said the innkeeper. “No matter where.” “I will scream and the patrol will come.” “Stop your talking this moment!” “Let us finish it at once.” “I have decided, and I am at your disposal,” said Señor Alonso. “Which of you is ready to fight with me?” “I am,” said the youngest. “I have nothing to say against that, for I have the comfort of knowing that one of you will always be left for me.” “You have too big an abdomen. It will be a hindrance to you.” “And you have more tongue than is needed on such occasions.” “Cuernos de Lucifer!” “Come into the street.” “No, right here.”