I do not, I trust, disappoint her. But the gist of it was
that he should leave that place now and depart from his service
for ever. And hearing those words Morano turned mournfully away
and was at once lost in the darkness. While Rodriguez ran once
more to help his fallen antagonist. "Senor, senor," he said with
an emotion that some wearing centuries and a cold climate have
taught us not to show, and beyond those words he could find no
more to say.
"Giddy, only giddy," said the stranger.
A tear fell on his forehead as Rodriguez helped him to his feet.
"Senor," Rodriguez said fervently, "we will finish our encounter
come what may. The knave is gone and ..."
"But I am somewhat giddy," said the other.
"I will take off one of my shoes," said Rodriguez, "leaving the
other on. It will equalise our unsteadiness, and you shall not be
disappointed in our encounter. Come," he added kindly.
"I cannot see so clearly as before," the young hidalgo murmured.
"I will bandage my right eye also," said Rodriguez, "and if this
cannot equalise it ..."
"It is a most fair offer," said the young man.
"I could not bear that you should be disappointed of your
encounter," Rodriguez said, "by this spirit of Hell that has got
itself clothed in fat and dares to usurp the dignity of man."
"It is a right fair offer," the young man said again.
"Rest yourself, senor," said Rodriguez, "while I take off my
shoe," and he indicated his kerchief which was still on the
ground.
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