Summary

Riley is summoned to the general’s headquarters in Chapter 10. General Arista introduces him to General Meija. They need more soldiers and want Riley to go back for the Irishmen he left behind on the other side of the river. Riley’s fellow deserters—Little, Mills, and Murphy—agree to accompany him. Thinking of his gratitude to the Mexicans for offering him good pay and land, Riley dives into the river.

In Chapter 11, General Taylor spots Riley but assumes that Riley is merely returning from a brothel. Riley visits the Irishmen’s campfire and tells them to meet him at the river in an hour. They agree to do so but warn Riley that Maloney is afraid of open water. Riley distributes some leaflets before heading to Maloney’s tent. He wakes Maloney but soon realizes that Maloney’s tentmate is an American...