CHAPTER X.
EL AS DE COPAS (THE ACE OF HEARTS).
Don Fernando checked his steed, and remained motionless as anequestrian statue on a marble pedestal.
"He will not come," he muttered, after a while.
"Can he have deceived me?--It is impossible."
Casting, as a last hope, one more look around him, he dropped thereins, but seized them again an instant later with a suddenness whichmade his horse perform a curvette and wince with pain. Don Fernando hadjust seen two cavaliers advancing towards him--one approaching from the_pueblo_, the other riding down the road he had himself taken.
"Come, come, it is all right," he said to himself; "This one is DonTorribio Quiroga. But who is this other cavalier?" he added, turning tothe man who had just left the _pueblo_.
He frowned, seemed to hesitate for an instant, but soon formed hisdecision, smiled ironically, and saying half-aloud, "It is better asit is," made his horse execute a traverse, and placed himself exactlyacross the middle of the road, so as to bar the passage completely.
The two arrivals, who greedily watched all his motions, took good noteof the hostile appearance of Don Fernando's position: neither seemed tofeel alarm, and both advanced at the same speed as before. The cavaliercoming from the _pueblo_ was much nearer Don Fernando than Don Torribiowas, and was soon close to him.
Mexicans, of all ranks and however little education, have aninstinctive knowledge of social decorum, which never deceives them, anda refined politeness which would astonish the inhabitants of the OldWorld.
As soon as Don Fernando found the stranger within reach of his voice,he slightly altered the position of his horse, doffed his hat, andsaid, with a low bow:
"Senor _caballero_, permit me to ask you a question."
"_Caballero_," replied the stranger, with no less politeness, "it willbe an honour to me."
"My name is Don Fernando Carril."
"And mine, Don Estevan Diaz."
"Senor Don Estevan, I am happy to make your acquaintance. Would youthrow away ten minutes in my company?"
"Senor Don Fernando, however pressed for time I might be, I would stopto enjoy your society."
"You are excessively kind; accept my thanks. I will explain in half adozen words. The _caballero_ who is approaching is Senor--"
"Don Torribio Quiroga," interposed Don Estevan; "I know him."
"So much the better; the matter is simplified. That honourablepersonage, as I found out by a strange chance is my bitter enemy."
"That is a pity."
"It is; but what shall I say? He is so thoroughly my enemy, that he hastried four times to have me assassinated; has made me serve as a targetto banditti."
"It is grievous. He plays an evil game with you, Don Fernando."
"The very reflection I made myself; so, as I wish to have done withhim, I have resolved to offer him the means of getting out of thescrape."
"It is the act of a true _caballero_."
"_iCaray!_ I can fancy how furious he will be. I am charmed at yourconsenting to be witness of the transaction."
"With pleasure, _caballero_."
"A thousand thanks; I will gladly return the compliment. But here isour man."
Don Torribio had continued to advance during this short conversation,and was now only a short distance from the speakers.
"_iValgame Dios!_" he cried gaily; "If I do not mistake, it is myadmirable friend, Don Fernando Carril, whom I have the good fortune tomeet."
"Himself, my dear friend; and as happy as you can be at the chancewhich has thrown us together."
"_iVive Dios!_ Since I have got you, I will not let you go; we willride together as far as the _pueblo_."
"I should like it, Don Torribio; but first of all, with yourpermission, I have a few words to say which may upset that plan."
"Speak then, senor; you can only utter words I shall be happy to hearin Don Estevan's presence."
"In fact, Don Fernando has requested me to be present at theconversation," said the latter.
"Nothing could be better! Let us hear, senor."
"Suppose we dismount," said Don Estevan; "the conversation may be along one."
"Well observed, _caballero_," replied Don Fernando; "I know a grottowhere we shall be quite at our ease. It is close at hand."
"Let us go there at once," said Don Torribio.
The three cavaliers left the beaten track, took a turn to the right,and directed their steps towards a little wood of plane trees andmahoganies, which stood at a short distance.
Anyone who had seen them thus, riding side by side, chatting andsmiling to each other, would have incontestably believed them to beintimate friends, delighted at having met. However it was, nothing ofthe kind, as our readers will soon see.
Exactly as Don Fernando had predicted, they soon gained the wood, andfound the natural grotto of which he had spoken.
The grotto was in the side of a hill of no great elevation, and itsproportions were scanty enough. Carpeted with verdure inside and out,it was a charming place of repose for passing away the stifling heat ofthe sun at midday.
The cavaliers dismounted, took the bridle from their horses, leavingthem to graze at will. They entered the grotto, and inhaled withineffable delight the freshness caused by a slender stream of waterwhich ran between its banks with a melancholy murmur, forming apleasant contrast with the burning atmosphere to which they wererecently exposed. They threw their _zarapes_ on the ground, stretchedthemselves out comfortably, and lit their maize _pajillos_ (cigarettes).
"I am greatly obliged to you, Don Fernando, for thinking of thisdelicious retreat," said Don Torribio; "now, if it is your pleasure tospeak, it will be an honour to me to listen."
"Senor Don Torribio, you really overwhelm me by so much courtesy.Heaven bear witness, that if I were not your most implacable enemy, Icould be your dearest friend."
"Alas!" said Don Torribio, "Heaven has disposed otherwise."
"I know it, my good senor, and regret it with all my soul."
"Not more than I do, I swear."
"Well, as that is the case, we must act accordingly,"
"Alas! That is just what I mean to do."
"I thought so. Then, in your interest and mine, I have resolved to makean end of it."
"I do not exactly see how we can get at that result, unless one of usconsents to kill the other."
"I presume this hatred of yours has cost you a round sum of money?"
"Four hundred piastres, which the rascals have stolen from me, as youare still alive; to say nothing of two hundred others I propose topresent to a _picaro_ who has sworn to kill you tonight."
"It is perfectly distressing! If this goes on, you will ruin yourself."
Don Torribio sighed, but made no reply.
Don Fernando resumed, while he threw away his cigarette and occupiedhimself in rolling another:
"For my part, senor, I confess that, in spite of the lamentableclumsiness of the people you employ, I begin to be tired of serving asa target at moments when I least expect it."
"I can understand that; it must be very disagreeable."
"It is. Well, then, wishing to reconcile our mutual interests, andto put an end to it, once for all, I have racked my brains until Ithink I have hit on a method of arranging these matters to our mutualsatisfaction."
"Well, let us hear this method; I know you to be a man of imagination,Don Fernando. It is doubtless ingenious."
"Oh, no; on the contrary, it is quite simple. Do you ever play?"
"So seldom, that it is hardly worth mentioning."
"Precisely the case with me. This is the proposal I have to make: it isevident you will not succeed in assassinating me."
"Do you think so, senor?" said Don Torribio, still smiling.
"I am sure of it, else you would have succeeded already."
"I will admit it: what, then, do you propose?"
"This: we will have a game at cards--the first to whom _el as de copas_(the ace of hearts) falls
shall win, and be master over the life of hisopponent, who shall be bound to blow out his brains as he sits there."
"Not so bad; the idea is ingenious."
"And why not senor?--It is just like a common game, only the losercannot have his revenge. Now, where are the cards?"
It was then discovered that these three gallant _caballeros_, who neverplayed, had each a pack of cards in his pocket. They produced themwith such spontaneousness, that all three could not help bursting intoHomeric laughter.
We have already said, somewhere, that in Mexico the passion forgambling is carried beyond the verge of madness; so that the facilitywith which Don Torribio accepted the game proposed by his foe hasnothing in it to astonish those who know the character of thosestrange Mexicans, who carry everything to extremes, and for whomanything unexpected and extraordinary has always an irresistibleattraction.
"One moment, senores," said Don Estevan, who had hitherto listenedwithout joining in the conversation; "perhaps there might still beanother way."
"What other?" exclaimed Don Fernando and Don Torribio, turning brisklyto him.
"Is your mutual hatred so great, that in reality it can only besatisfied by the death of one or the other?"
"It is," said Don Torribio hoarsely.
Don Fernando merely replied by a nod.
"In that case," continued Don Estevan, "instead of having recourse toblind chance, why cannot you fight it out with each other?"
Both men made a gesture of disdain.
"What!" exclaimed Don Torribio, "Fight like wretched _leperos_, at therisk of disfiguring or crippling ourselves, which would be worse thandeath! No! I will never consent to that."
"Nor I; it is better that chance shall decide."
"As you please, _caballeros_; do as you like."
"But," said Don Torribio, "who is to deal?"
"The devil!" said Don Fernando; "that is a good remark: I never thoughtof that."
"I will, if you have no objection," said Don Estevan; "and so muchthe more readily, as my friendship for both of you senores, makes meperfectly disinterested."
"It will do," said Don Torribio; "only, to avoid all cause for dispute,you must choose at hap-hazard the pack you are to use."
"Very well: place the three packs under a hat; I will take the first Itouch."
"That will do. What a pity you did not think of this game sooner, DonFernando!"
"What could I do, senor?--I have only just hit upon the idea."
Don Estevan rose and left the grotto, to afford the two foes everyfacility for arranging the three packs under the hat. He was very soonrecalled.
"So," said he, "you are determined to play out this game?"
"We are, they replied."
"You swear, by all the world holds most holy, and whichever of you itmay be whom fortune favours, to submit yourselves to the fiat of fatein all its entirety?"
"We swear, Don Estevan, by the word of _caballeros_."
"Enough, senores," he replied, passing his Hand under the hat anddrawing out a pack of cards. "And now recommend your souls to God; fora few minutes hence, one of you will be in his presence."
The two men crossed themselves devoutly, and fixed their eyes anxiouslyon the pack of cards.
Don Estevan shuffled the cards with the greatest care, and then madeeach of the adversaries cut them in turn.
"Attention, senores," said he; "I am going to begin."
The two, negligently leaning on their elbows, smoked their _pajillos_with a perfect assumption of indifference, which was only belied by theflashing of their eyes.
Meanwhile the cards continued to fall on the _zarape_: Don Estevan heldonly about a dozen more in his hand, when he paused.
"_Caballeros_," said he, "for the last time--reflect."
"Go on, go on!" cried Don Torribio excitedly; "the first card belongsto me."
"Look at it," said Don Estevan, turning it up.
"Oh," said Don Fernando, throwing away his cigarette, "_el as decopas_. Look, Don Torribio; it is curious. _iVive Dios!_ you canreproach no one; you are the author of your own death."
Don Torribio made a violent gesture, which he repressed immediately,and resumed the tone of affected civility which had characterised theconversation.
"Upon my honour, it is true," said he. "I must confess, Don Fernando, Ihave no chance with you in anything."
"I am quite in despair, dear Don Torribio."
"Never mind; it was a capital game; I never felt so interested."
"Nor I either. Unfortunately, I cannot give you your revenge."
"Right! And now I must pay my debt."
Don Fernando bowed without answering.
"Be quite easy, dear senor; I will only keep you waiting such time asis absolutely necessary. If I could have foreseen this, I would havebrought my pistols."
"I have brought mine; they are perfectly at your service."
"Then pray be kind enough to lend me one."
Don Fernando rose, took a pistol from his holsters, and offered them toDon Torribio.
"It is primed and loaded; the trigger is a little stiff."
"What a capital man of business you are, Don Fernando! You provide foreverything; no detail escapes you."
"My traveller's habits, Don Torribio,--nothing more."
Don Torribio took the pistol and cocked it.
"Senores," said he, "I beg you not to leave my body to the mercy of thewild beasts; it would distress me dreadfully to become their food whenI am dead."
"Set your mind at rest, dear senor; we will carry you home across yourown horse. We should be in despair if the body of so accomplished a_caballero_ were thus profaned."
"That is all I have to request of you, senores; now accept my thanks,and farewell."
After this he cast one last look around him, and coolly placed themuzzle of the pistol against his right temple.
Don Fernando suddenly arrested his hand.
"I have one remark to make," he said.
"Upon my honour, you are only just in time," said Don Torribio, withoutexhibiting emotion: "two seconds more, and it would have been too late.But let us hear this remark. Is it of much interest?"
"You yourself shall judge. You have lost your life fairly to me."
"As fairly as possible."
"Well, then, it belongs to me. You are dead; I have the right ofdisposing of you as I think fit."
"I cannot deny it. You will observe that I am ready to pay my losseslike a _caballero_."
"I render you full justice, dear senor; therefore if I allow you tolive for the present, you are bound to kill yourself at my firstrequisition, and to employ the life I leave you (which I could depriveyou of at this very moment) solely in my interest, and at my goodpleasure."
"Then you offer me a bargain?" said Don Torribio.
"Yes, you have hit the word; it is a bargain."
"H'm!" said Don Torribio; "That requires consideration. What would youdo, if you were in my place, Don Estevan?"
"I?" replied he; "I would accept without hesitation. Life is sobeautiful, take it all in all, it is best to enjoy it as long aspossible."
"There is something true about what you say; but recollect I shouldbecome Don Fernando's slave as I could only employ my life in hisservice, and should be bound to kill myself whenever he gives theword."
"True; but Don Fernando is a _caballero_ who will only exact thissacrifice in so far as to protect his own life."
"I will even go further," broke in Don Fernando; "I will limit theduration of our bargain to ten years. If by that time Don Torribio isnot dead, he will again enter upon his rights in all their plenitude,and can dispose of his life after his own fashion."
"That really touches me to the heart! You are a perfect _caballero_,senor; and I accept the life you offer me so gracefully. A thousandthanks!" added he, uncocking the pistol. "I have no further use forthis weapon."
"One thing more, Don Torribio. As no one can read the future, you willnot object to have this bond drawn up i
n writing?"
"Certainly not; but where shall we get the paper?"
"I think I can find the writing materials in my _alforjas_."
"How right I was in pronouncing you a perfect man of business, whomnothing escapes, dear senor!"
Don Fernando, without answering, went to fetch his _alforjas_, a kindof double pocket, which is fastened behind the saddle, to hold thenecessary articles for travelling, and used throughout the whole ofSpanish America instead of the common European valise.
Don Fernando took out pens, ink, and paper, and laid them in orderbefore Don Torribio.
"Now," said he, "write as I shall dictate."
"Proceed, my dear senor; I will write."
Don Fernando began:
"I, the undersigned, Don Torribio Quiroga y Carvajal y Flores delCerro, acknowledge that I have fairly lost my life to Don FernandoCarril, in a game played with the aforesaid senor; I acknowledge thatthe life belongs henceforth to Don Fernando, who shall have the rightto dispose of it as he thinks fit, without my having power to raiseobjection in any case, or to refuse obedience to the orders he may giveme, whether they be to kill myself before his eyes, or to risk in anyperilous adventure the life I have lost, and which I acknowledge tohold only at his pleasure. I farther acknowledge that all sentimentsof hatred to the aforesaid Don Fernando Carril are extinguished in myheart, and that I will never seek to injure him directly or indirectly.I enter into this bond for the space of ten years, beginning from theday on which this deed is signed; it being formally stipulated byme, that at the end of the aforesaid ten years I shall resume all myrights in full, with the entire possession of my life, and that fromthenceforth I shall not be responsible to Don Fernando Carril for anyaccount of it."
"Written and signed by me, this 17th March 18--, and subscribed, aswitness, by Senor Don Estevan Diaz y Morelos."
"Now," said Don Fernando, "sign: pass the paper to Don Estevan, for hissignature; then give it to me." Don Torribio signed with the greatestgood humour, added a tremendous flourish to his signature, and gave thepen to Don Estevan, who affixed his name without making the slightestobjection to this strange arrangement.
When all this was over, Don Torribio scattered a little sand over thepaper, to dry the ink, folded it neatly in four, and placed it in thehands of Don Fernando, who read it attentively, and put it in his bosom.
"There, that is finished," said Don Torribio. "Now senor, if you haveno commands for me, I ask your permission to retire."
"I should be distressed to detain you longer, _caballero_; go whereyour engagements call you; may they be pleasant ones!"
"Thanks for the wish, though I fear it will scarcely be fulfilled; Ihave had bad luck for some time past."
He saluted the others once more, put the bridle on his horse, anddeparted at a gallop.
"Do you really intend to demand the execution of this bond?" asked DonEstevan, as soon as he found himself alone with Don Fernando.
"Most certainly," replied the other; "you forget that this man is mymortal foe. But I must leave you, Don Estevan; I must be today at LasNorias de San Antonio, and it is growing late."
"Are you going to the _hacienda_ of Don Pedro de Luna?"
"Not exactly to the _hacienda_, but to the neighbourhood."
"Then we can ride together; for I, too, am going in that direction."
"You," said he, looking at him inquisitively.
"I am the _major-domo_ of the _hacienda_," replied Don Estevan.
The two men left the grotto, and mounted their horses. Don Fernandorode pensively by the side of his companion, only replying inmonosyllables.