On Popanilla inquiring the reason of their using these
singular instruments, his neighbour, with an air of great astonishment,
confessed his ignorance of any people ever using any other; and in his
turn asked how they could possibly eat their dinner without. The
Chevalier was puzzled, but he was now too well bred ever to pursue an
inquiry.
Popanilla, being thirsty, helped himself to a goblet of water, which was
at hand. It was the most delightful water that he ever tasted. In a
few minutes he found that he was a little dizzy, and, supposing this
megrim to be occasioned by the heat of the room, he took another draught
of water to recover himself.
As his neighbour was telling him an excellent joke a man entered the
room and shot the joker through the head. The opposite guest
immediately charged his pistol with effect, and revenged the loss. A
party of men, well armed, now rushed in, and a brisk conflict
immediately ensued. Popanilla, who was very dizzy, was fortunately
pushed under the table. When the firing and slashing had ceased, he
ventured to crawl out.
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