Esmeralda). "And," he concluded, with a sudden

rise in the voice, "a man of many teeth ' hombre de muchos dientes.' Si, señor. As to us," he pursued, portentous and impressive, "your worship is behold- ing the finest body of officers in the republic, men un- equalled for valor and sagacity, ' y hombres de muchos dientes.' ' "What? All of them?" inquired the disreputable envoy of Señor Fuentes, with a faint, derisive smile. "Todos. Si, señor," the major affirmed gravely, with conviction. "Men of many teeth." The other wheeled his horse to face the portal re- sembling the high gate of a dismal barn. He raised himself in his stirrups, extended one arm. He was a facetious scoundrel, entertaining for these stupid Occidentals a feeling of great scorn natural in a native from the central provinces. The folly of Esmeraldians especially aroused his amused contempt. He began an oration upon Pedro Montero, keeping a solemn countenance. He flourished his hand as if introduc- ing him to their notice. And when he saw every face set, all the eyes fixed upon his lips, he began to shout a sort of catalogue of perfections: "Generous, valor- ous, affable, profound (he snatched off his hat enthu- siastically) a statesman, an invincible chief of parti- sans " he dropped his voice startlingly to a deep, hollow note "and a dentist." He was off instantly at a smart walk; the rigid strad- dle of his legs, the turned-out feet, the stiff back, the rakish slant of the sombrero above the square, motion- less set of the shoulders expressing an infinite, awe-

inspiring impudence.