_National_.—_Caballero_! I return you your passport; it is quite in form. I rejoice much to have made your acquaintance; I have no doubt that you can give me some information respecting the present war. _Myself_.—I shall be very happy to afford so polite and honourable a gentleman any information in my power. _National_.—What is England doing? Is she about to afford any assistance to this country? If she pleased she could put down the war in three months. _Myself_.—Be under no apprehension, _Señor nacional_; the war will be put down, don’t doubt. You have heard of the English legion, {138a} which my Lord Palmerston has sent over? Leave the matter in their hands, and you will soon see the result. _National_.—It appears to me that this _Caballero_ Balmerson must be a very honest man. _Myself_.—There can be no doubt of it. _National_.—I have heard that he is a great general. _Myself_.—There can be no doubt of it. In some things neither Napoleon nor the Sawyer {138b} would stand a chance with him for a moment. _Es mucho hombre_. {138c} _National_.—I am glad to hear it. Does he intend to head the legion himself? _Myself_.—I believe not; but he has sent over, to head the fighting men, a friend of his, who is thought to be nearly as much versed in military matters as himself. _National_.—I am rejoiced to hear it. I see that the war will soon be over. _Caballero_, I thank you for your politeness, and for the information which you have afforded me. I hope you will have a pleasant journey. I confess that I am surprised to see a gentleman of your country travelling alone, and in this manner, through such regions as these. The roads are at present very bad; there have of late been many accidents, and more than two deaths in this neighbourhood. The _despoblado_ out yonder has a particularly evil name; be on your guard, _Caballero_. I am sorry that gypsy was permitted to pass; should you meet him and not like his looks, shoot him at once, stab him, or ride him down. He is a well-known thief, _contrabandista_, and murderer, and has committed more assassinations than he has fingers on his hands. _Caballero_, if you please, we will allow you a guard to the other side of the pass. You do not wish it? Then, farewell. Stay, before I go I should wish to see once more the signature of the _Caballero_ Balmerson. I showed him the signature, which he looked upon with profound reverence, uncovering his head for a moment. We then embraced and parted.