San Martin was forced to stand in the audience-chamber and receive the crowds. Old people and young people pressed fast upon him. But though he was so modest and heartily disliked any show or pretension, he received their praises patiently and kindly. A handsome middle-aged woman approached him, and as he leaned forward to greet her, she threw herself at his feet. There, clinging to his knees, she looked up into his face, and exclaimed that she had three sons at his service, who, she hoped, would become useful citizens. San Martin listened to her with respect. As he gently raised her from the floor, she flung her arms around his neck and finished her speech. He replied to her with great earnestness; and the poor woman’s heart seemed bursting with gratitude for his attention and kindness. _The Little Girl Who Was Bashful_ San Martin then seeing a little girl about ten or twelve years old, who was too bashful to come forward, lifted the astonished child and kissed her cheek. When he set her down again, the little thing was in such ecstasy that she scarcely knew what to do. _Another Little Girl_ San Martin established his headquarters a little beyond the city-wall. There he was completely surrounded by business. But every man coming out of San Martin’s presence, seemed pleased whether he had succeeded in his petition or not. Among others, an old man came into headquarters holding a little girl in his arms. He had just one request, would the great General please kiss his child? San Martin good-naturedly kissed her, and the father went away radiantly happy. _The Best Cigar_ San Martin lived on the friendliest terms with his officers. One day, at his own table, he opened his pouch and took out a cigar, rounder and firmer than the rest. He gave it a look of unconscious satisfaction. Just then a voice called:-- “My General!” San Martin started from his revery, and raised his head. “Who spoke?” he said. “It was I,” said an officer who had been watching him. “I merely wished to beg the favour of one cigar from you.” “Ah ha!” said San Martin smiling good-naturedly with an assumed look of reproach. And at once he tossed his chosen cigar to the officer. _Duty Before the General_ At another time, San Martin was entertaining a visitor on board a schooner. While they were walking up and down, the sailors began to swab the deck. “What a plague it is,” said San Martin, “that these fellows will insist on washing their decks at this rate.” Then turning to one of the men, he said, “I wish, my friend, you would not wet us here, but go to the other side.” The sailor, who had his duty to perform and who was too well accustomed to the General’s gentle manner, went on with his work, and soundly splashed him and his guest. “I am afraid,” cried San Martin, “we must go below, although our cabin is but a miserable hole! For really there is no persuading these fellows to go out of their usual way.” _Captain Basil Hall and Other Sources_ (_Retold_)