"_Caspita_!" he exclaimed, as his hand touched something hard in the waistband of the dwarfs breeches, stuck behind his back. "What have we here? As I live, a dagger!" drawing it out and holding it to the light. "Silver-hilted, too! Yes; it's silver, sure; and blade beautifully chased--worth a _doblone_, at the very least!" "Half mine," interrupted Perico, putting in his claim. "All right, _camardo_. We'll settle that by-and-by. Now, you limb of Satan!" he continued to the hunchback, "you told us the footpads had stripped you clean. How do you explain this?" "Easily enough, your worship. They only thought of trying in my pockets, and the stiletto being there behind where you've found it, luckily they overlooked it." "Oh, indeed!" doubtingly rejoined the corporal; "and pray how did you become possessed of it, _Senor Enano_? A dagger worth a _doblone_ isn't a likely thing for such as you to be owner of--that is, in an honest way." "I admit, your worship, it isn't likely. For all, I came honestly by the article. It's an heirloom in our family; belonged to my great-great-grandfather, and's descended through several generations. For know, Senor, my ancestors were not deformed like poor me. Some of them were gallant soldiers, as yourself. Indeed, one of them rose to the rank of sergeant--that was my mother's grandfather; but this dagger didn't come down from him, being left in the main line." "Well," laughingly returned the corporal, after listening to the quaint chapter of explanations, "the future herald of our family won't have to trace it beyond yourself. You're now under our protection, and have no need to warlike weapons. So we, your protectors, will take the liberty of appropriating the historical toy. Get out the cards, Perico! Let us see whether it is to be yours or mine." "_May bueno_!" responded Perico. "How will you have the game? A single _albur_, or two out of three?" "Well, as we've only the one stake, and no end of time for winning and losing it, we'd better make it the long game." "All right--come on! I have the cards spread--_sota y caballo_. How sweet the Queen's face looks in the moonlight! Ah! she's smiling at me, I know, as good as to say--`Worthy Perico, that silver-handled weapon, your corporal tells you is worth all of an _onza_, will ere long be thine.'" "Well, lay on the Queen if you like. I'll go the Jack, with all his grinning. Now shuffle, and deal off."