Chapter 12: Curupayty Summary

Franco's military engineer, Lieutenant-Major George Thompson, is constructing earthworks at Curupayty, south of Humaita. There, the Paraguayans launch torpedoes at the Brazilian fleet, although most are ineffective. Franco's commander in chief, General Diaz, arrives and guarantees a victory. Franco watches the battle through his field glasses from Humaita. The Argentinean troops are mowed down when they get close to Thompson's trench. Franco is elated and becomes badly drunk in celebration with General Diaz. The general grows more arrogant after his victory, believing himself impervious to danger. A torpedo injures Diaz while he is rowing in his canoe, and his leg is amputated. He dies shortly thereafter from infection.

Frederick Masterman is arrested abruptly and jailed for no apparent reason. Perplexed, Masterman spends his time in the dank cell watching the habits of his cellmates: spiders, scorpions and toads. He is released...