At that instant the innkeeper seemed aroused from his slumbers; for his voice, also, was heard exclaiming, "Back, back, ye cursed idiots! What! would you have my house looked upon as a den of thieves for this night's work? Back, back! or by the Holy Virgin some of you will not live to repent it!" He seemed to be enforcing his orders by blows; for a scuffle was heard outside, above which arose the shrill tones of a woman's voice, the robbers appearing to be giving way. The man with whom Don Luis was chiefly engaged glared fiercely on him. "You killed my brother yesterday, and I will be revenged on you," he exclaimed. "I know you, Don Luis d'Almeida: you foiled me before; but we shall meet again ere long, when this blade shall drink your life's blood:" saying which, with curses on his companions for their cowardice, he bounded down the stairs after them, leaving Don Luis and his attendants masters of the room; while the innkeeper and the friar were seen on the top of the stairs, the latter still flourishing his cudgel, and vehemently abusing the banditti in no measured terms. The voices of the robbers were heard outside, in high and fierce dispute, the sounds gradually dying away as they gained a greater distance from the house. The innkeeper, followed by the friar, then entered the apartment, making many apologies for the outrage. "I hope, senhor, you will not bring ruin on an unfortunate man, by mentioning the occurrences of the night," he said, in a supplicating tone. "You see, senhor, I am entirely in the power of those gentlemen, and could not avoid what happened; therefore, as none of your party are hurt, and you have wounded two of the banditti, I trust that this punishment will satisfy you." "Oh yes, yes; I know that Don Luis will be generous, and act like a true fidalgo," interrupted the Friar. "You see that I kept my word; so in future remember you may trust to a friar's promise: and now, by your leave, cavalheros, I will go to bed again, for the night air does not agree with me, and my shoulder is painful." Saying which, he composedly walked to his recess, and covered himself up with the clothes. "I ought to make no terms with you," said Don Luis; "yet, having no wish to ruin you, I shall not complain, if you will undertake that we receive no further annoyance." "Oh yes, senhor, yes; on my word of honour as a gentleman, you shall be unmolested," returned the Innkeeper, putting his hand to his heart, and bowing low. "The fidalgo will do as we beg him, I know," cried the Friar, from his dormitory; "so go away, and leave him to finish the night in peace." "You will not blame me, senhor, for what has occurred. Well, senhor, I am happy again, so, if your servants will help me, I will put up the door, and leave you to repose."