Chapter Sixteen Summary

In the beginning of chapter sixteen, Sharpe is severely injured. He is again left with his thoughts, wondering why Ducos framed him and why Helene lied about it. La Marquesa, General Verigny, and Major Montburn come to dine with him. They eat gazpacho, a soup, and make small talk. Sharpe is given a razor to shave, a new shirt, and a tinder box to replace the items Ducos stole from him. They inform him they cannot let him go, and he is to travel with the army. If he is not well enough, he may travel in La Marquesa's coach. They encourage Sharpe to sign the parole, as it is unthinkable for a man of his caliber to be treated like a common criminal. He puts off the signing until the next morning, and the gentleman leave, drunk. La Marquesa comes...