"I will be prudent, General, as far as the care for my honour will permit me." "That will do, Colonel--I ask no more." Don Juan merely bowed in response. "By-the-bye," said the General, presently, "have these partisans any capable men at their head?" "Very capable, General; thoroughly acquainted with guerilla fighting, and possessing a bravery and coolness beyond all praise." "All the better, for in that case we shall reap more glory in conquering them. Unfortunately, they are said to wage war like perfect savages, pitilessly massacring the soldiers that fall into their hands; indeed, what has happened to you is a proof of it." "You are mistaken, General. Whatever these men may be, and the cause for which they fight, it is my duty to enlighten and disabuse you, for they have been strangely calumniated; it was only after my repeated refusals to surrender that the action began. Their Chief even offered me my life at the moment when I hurled myself with him into the yawning abyss at our feet. When I became their prisoner they restored me my sword, gave me a horse and a guide, who brought me within musket shot of your outposts: is that the conduct of cruel men?" "Certainly not, and I am pleased to see you thus do justice to your enemies." "I merely declare a fact." "Yes, and an unlucky one for us; these men must consider themselves very strong to act thus. This clemency of theirs will attract a great number of partisans to their ranks." "I fear it." "And I too. No matter, the moment has arrived to act with vigour; for, if we do not take care, within a week the very stones of this country, of which we are still the masters, will rise to expel us, and the ground will grow so hot under our feet, that we shall be compelled to fly before these undisciplined masses of badly armed _guasos_, who harass us like swarms of mosquitoes." "I await your orders, General." "Do you feel strong enough to mount again?" "Perfectly." "Very good, then. I have prepared three hundred men, cavalry and infantry; the latter will mount behind the horsemen, in order not to delay the march, which must be rapid, for my object is that you should reach the hacienda before the insurgents; and fortify yourself there." "I will reach it." "I count on you. Two mountain guns will follow your detachment, and will prove sufficient; for, if I am rightly informed, the hacienda has six in good condition. Still, as ammunition may run short, you will take sufficient with you to last for a fortnight. At all risks, the hacienda must hold out for that period against all the attacks the insurgents may make." "It shall hold out, I swear it to you, General." "I trust entirely to you." The General walked to the entrance of the tent and raised the curtain. "Summon the officers told off for the expedition," he said.