Part 1: Bautista, Chapter 4 Summary

Sharpe and Harper arrive in Puerto Crucero and present the permit from Bautista to the local commander, Major Suarez. While Major Suarez is preparing lodging for Sharpe and Harper, the two visit the church where Don Blas is buried. After finding his grave marker inside the church, Sharpe and Harper break open the floor and dig. The church is filled with the odor of decay, and while Sharpe and Harper stand wondering how to deal with the stench, many armed men burst into the church.

Sergeant Dregara, Major Suarez, and many troops approach Sharpe and Harper. Dregara wants to kill them immediately, but Suarez says he has other orders. Sharpe and Harper are imprisoned for six days.

Once Sharpe and Harper are removed from their imprisonment, they are led to a large room where many troops, Captain-General Bautista, and...