The third cousin on the mother’s side was a very different person.  He was a boy of about twelve years of age; and as his father and mother had died when he was very young, he had been for nearly all his life under the charge of an elderly and prudent man, who acted as his guardian and tutor.  These two, also, soon arrived in Mutjado,—­the boy, Phedo, being mounted on a little donkey, which was his almost constant companion.  As soon as they reached the territory of the late Autocrat, old Salim, the tutor, left the boy at an inn, and went forward by himself to take a look at the other third cousin.  When he saw Alberdin mounted on his fine horse, and looking so strong and valiant, his heart was much disturbed.

“I had hoped,” he said to himself, “that the other one was a small boy, but such does not appear to be the case.  There is but one way to have a fair fight between these two.  They must not now be allowed to see each other.  If they can be kept apart until my boy grows up, he will then be able, with the military education which I intend he shall have, to engage in combat with any man.  They must not meet for at least thirteen years.  Phedo will then be twenty-five, and able to do worthy combat.  To be sure, I am somewhat old myself to undertake to superintend so long a delay, but I must do my best to keep well and strong, and to attain the greatest possible longevity.”

Salim had always been in the habit of giving thirty-two chews to every mouthful of meat, and a proportionate number of chews to other articles of food; and had, so far, been very healthy.  But he now determined to increase the number of chews to thirty-six, for it would be highly necessary for him to live until it was time for the battle between the third cousins to take place.

Having made up his mind on these points, the old tutor introduced himself to Alberdin, and told him that he had come to arrange the terms of combat.

“In the first place,” said Alberdin, “I should like to know what sort of a person my opponent is.”

“He is not a cavalryman like you,” answered Salim; “he belongs to the heavy infantry.”

At this, Alberdin looked grave.  He knew very well that a stout and resolute man on foot had often the advantage of one who is mounted.  He would have preferred meeting a horseman, and fighting on equal terms.

“Has he had much experience in war?” asked the young man.

“It is not long,” answered the tutor, “since he was almost constantly in arms, winter and summer.”

“He must be a practised warrior,” thought Alberdin.  “I must put myself in good fighting-trim before I meet him.”

After some further conversation on the subject, the old man advised Alberdin to go into camp on a beautiful plain not far from the base of a low line of mountains.

“Your opponent,” said he, “will intrench himself in the valley on the other side.  With the mountains between you, neither of you need fear a surprise; and when both are ready, a place of meeting can be appointed.