In which the doubtful question of Mambrino’s helmet and the packsaddle is finally settled, with other adventures that occurred in truth and earnest.
“What do you think now, gentlemen,” said the barber, “of what these gentles say, when they want to make out that this is a helmet?”
“And whoever says the contrary,” said Don Quixote, “I will let him know he lies if he is a knight, and if he is a squire that he lies again a thousand times.”
Our own barber, who was present at all this, and understood Don Quixote’s humour so thoroughly, took it into his head to back up his delusion and carry on the joke for the general amusement; so addressing the other barber he said: