And now, to bring an end to this adventure, we were taken down the intricate passes of the mountain in the moonlight, as many of the gang as could find mules coming with us for escort, and brought at last to the main road, where we were left with nought but what we stood in (save Moll’s two pieces), the robbers bidding us their adios with all the courtesy imaginable.  But even then, robbed of all he had even to the clothes of his back, Don Sanchez’s pride was unshaken, for he bade us note that the very thieves in Spain were gentlemen.

As we trudged along the road toward Ravellos, we fell debating on our case, as what we should do next, etc., Don Sanchez promising that we should have redress for our ill-treatment, that his name alone would procure us a supply of money for our requirements, etc., to my great content.  But Dawson was of another mind.

“As for seeking redress,” says he, “I would as soon kick at a hive for being stung by a bee, and the wisest course when you’ve been once bit by a dog is to keep out of his way for the future.  With respect of getting money by your honour’s name, you may do as you please, and so may you, Kit, if you’re so minded.  But for my part, henceforth I’ll pretend to be no better than I am, and the first suit of rags I can get will I wear in the fashion of this country.  And so shall you, Moll, my dear; so make up your mind to lay aside your fine airs and hold up your nose no longer as if you were too good for your father.”

“Why, surely, Jack,” says I, “you would not quit us and go from your bargain.”

“Not I, and you should know me well enough, Kit, to have no doubt on that score.  But ’tis no part of our bargain that we should bustle anybody but Simon the steward.”

“We have four hundred miles to go ere we reach Elche,” says Don Sanchez.  “Can you tell me how we are to get there without money?”

“Aye, that I can, and I warrant my plan as good as your honour’s.  How many tens are there in four hundred, Kit?”

“Forty.”

“Well, we can walk ten miles a day on level ground, and so may do this journey in six weeks or thereabouts, which is no such great matter, seeing we are not to be back in England afore next year.  We can buy a guitar and a tabor out of Moll’s pieces; with them we can give a show wherever we stay for the night, and if honest men do but pay us half as much as the thieves of this country, we may fare pretty well.”

“I confess,” says Don Sanchez, “your scheme is the best, and I would myself have proposed it but that I can do so little for my share.”

“Why, what odds does that make, Senor?” cries Jack.  “You gave us of the best while you had aught to give, and ’tis but fair we should do the same now.  Besides which, how could we get along without you for a spokesman, and I marked that you drummed to our dance very tunefully.  Come, is it a bargain, friend?”

And on Don Sanchez’s consenting, Jack would have us all shake hands on it for a sign of faith and good fellowship.  Then, perceiving that we were arrived at the outskirts of the town, we ended our discussion.