Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 4.djvu/163

 Little by little the promenaders became rarer, then they disappeared altogether.

"Now is the time," said Don Garcia, "now is the time when the entire city belongs to the students. The philistines would not dare to interrupt us in our innocent recreations. As for the watchman, if, by some accident, we were to have a skirmish with him, I need not tell you that he is a rascal who need not be spared. But if the scoundrels are too many for us and we should have to take to our heels, you need have no anxiety, I know all the by-ways. You need only give yourself the trouble to follow me, and you may be sure that all will go well."

As he spoke he threw his cloak over his left shoulder in such a way as to conceal the greater part of his face but to leave his right arm free. Don Juan did the same, and both proceeded toward the street in which Doña Fausta and her sister lived. In passing the steps of a church Don Garcia whistled. A page appeared with a guitar, which Don Garcia took and then dismissed the boy.

"I see," said Don Juan, as they turned into the Calle de Valladolid, "I see that you intend to have me act as a protector to your serenade. You may be certain that I shall conduct myself so as to deserve your approval. I should be disowned