I was not so chary about the discharging of mine. The moment I caught sight of the _Red Hats_--for the assailants were so distinguished--I had a clear comprehension of the sort of gentry with whom the Mexican had to deal, as well as the character of the attack. The blood ran scalding within my veins. But that very day I had been sickened at hearing the details of an atrocity, committed by these precious pets of our commander-in-chief; and I had mentally vowed, if I should ever chance to catch one of them at their tricks, to make short work with him. The chance had come sooner than I expected; and I remembered my vow. The shout with which I interrupted their pastime was almost loud enough to hinder them from hearing the report of my pistol; but one of them caught the bullet that came out of it, and went groaning into the gutter. I might have shot down a second, or even a third, before they could get out of the way; though they were anything but slow in making disappearance. I was satisfied with having put an end to one: for this had I done, as was evident from the silent lump of humanity that lay doubled up along the stones. CHAPTER FIFTEEN. LIFE FOR LIFE. "_Gracias_!" cried the young Mexican, "_mil gracias, caballero_! That's all I can say till I get back my breath." He stopped. I could hear his respiration, quick and heavy, as that of a horse halted after a rapid run. "I hope you have not received any serious injury?" I said, on becoming assured that the only Red Hat remaining in the street was the one lying along the kerb-stone. "Are you wounded?" "Nothing to signify, I think. A cut or two, perhaps. They're only scratches." "You're sure?" "Not quite, caballero; though I fancy I'm all right. I don't feel disabled--only a little fatigued. It was rather quick play, keeping guard against all five at once. I had no chance to get a thrust at them, else I might have reduced the number. You've done that, I perceive. Once more let me thank you for my life." "There is no need. It is simply a debt paid in kind; and we are now quits." "Senor, your speech mystifies me. I cannot tell whether I have the honour of knowing the brave man who has done me such signal service. Your voice sounds like one I've heard before. You'll excuse me. It's so dark here--" "You and I are so much in the habit of having encounters in dark places, I begin to think there's a fatality in it." "_Carrambo_!" exclaimed the Mexican, still further mystified by my remark. "Where have we had these encounters? Pray tell me, senor?" "You don't remember capitan Moreno?" "It is my name! You know me?" "I have good reason." "You astonish me. If I mistake not, you are in uniform--an American officer?" "I am." "May I ask where we have met? At the _monte_ table?" "We have met at _monte_ more than once. It was not there, however, that I had my first introduction to you, but--" "Where?" "In your house."