“On the field of Salamanca?”

“Of course.  You are the English officer who behaved so insolently and got me reprimanded.” (This in French.)

“I did no more than my duty.  It was you that behaved insolently.”

“Take care what you say, senor, or por Dios—­There is no English general to whom you can appeal for protection now.  What are you doing here?”

“Not much good, I fear.  Your men brought me:  I had not the least desire to come, I assure you.”

“You were caught on the hill yonder, surveying the town through a glass, and Sergeant Prim overheard part of a conversation which leaves no doubt that you are officers in Mejia’s army.  Besides, you were seen coming from the quarter where he encamped this morning.  Is this so?”

Carmen and I exchanged glances.  My worst fears were confirmed—­we had been betrayed.

“Is this so?  I repeat.”

“It is.”

“And have you, an English officer who has fought for Spain, actually sunk so low as to serve with a herd of ruffianly rebels?”

“At any rate, General Griscelli, I never deserted to the enemy.”

The taunt stung him to the quick.  Livid with rage he sprung from his chair and placed his hand on his sword.

“Do you know that you are in my power?” he exclaimed.  “Had you uttered this insult in Spanish instead of in French, I would have strung you up without more ado.”

“You insulted me first.  If you are a true caballero give me the satisfaction which I have a right to demand.”

“No, senor; I don’t meet rebels on the field of honor.  If they are common folk I hang them; if they are gentlemen I behead them.”

“Which is in store for us, may I ask?”

“Por Dios! you take it very coolly.  Perhaps neither.”

“You will let me go, then?”

“Let you go!  Let you go!  Yes, I will let you go,” laughing like a man who has made a telling joke, or conceived a brilliant idea.

“When?”

“Don’t be impatient, senor; I should like to have the pleasure of your company for a day or two before we part.  Perhaps after—­What is the strength of Mejia’s army?”

“I decline to say.”

“I think I could make you say, though, if it were worth the trouble.  As it happens, I know already.  He has about two thousand infantry and one thousand cavalry.  What has he come here for?  Does the fool actually suppose that with a force like that he can capture San Felipe?  Such presumption deserves punishment, and I shall give him a lesson he will not easily forget—­if he lives to remember it.  Your name and quality, senor” (to Carmen).

“Salvador Carmen, teniente in the patriot army.”

“I suppose you have heard how I treat patriots?”

“Yes, general, and I should like to treat you in the same way.”

“You mean you would like to hang me.  In that case you cannot complain if I hang you.  However I won’t hang you—­to-day.  I will either send you to the next world in the company of your general, or let you go with—­”