There Was Also A Red Fiery-Faced Individual, With A
Nose Very Much Turned On One Side, Who Was The Blacksmith Of The
Village, And Was Called In General El Tuerto, From The Circumstance
Of His Having But One Eye.
Making the assembly a low bow, I pulled
out my passport, and thus addressed them:-
"Grave men and cavaliers of this city of Villa Seca, as I am a
stranger, of whom it is not possible that you should know anything,
I have deemed it my duty to present myself before you, and to tell
you who I am. Know, then, that I am an Englishman of good blood
and fathers, travelling in these countries for my own profit and
diversion, and for that of other people also. I have now found my
way to Villa Seca, where I propose to stay some time, doing that
which may be deemed convenient; sometimes riding across the plain,
and sometimes bathing myself in the waters of the river, which are
reported to be of advantage in times of heat, I therefore beg that,
during my sojourn in this capital, I may enjoy such countenance and
protection from its governors as they are in the habit of affording
to those who are of quiet and well-ordered life, and are disposed
to be buxom and obedient to the customs and laws of the republic."
"He speaks well," said the alcalde, glancing around.
"Yes, he speaks well," said the bulky Alavese; "there is no denying
it."
"I never heard any one speak better," cried the blacksmith,
starting up from a stool on which he was seated.
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