"What! Four hundred ounces!" the general exclaimed, "You seem to me to be an amusing scoundrel; but take care I do not hang you, in order to teach you not to play the mountebank with me." "That is the reward for doing people a service," the Canadian said with a philosophic shrug of his shoulders. "But, animal," the general continued impatiently, "what service are you doing me?" "An immense one, General." "Come, explain yourself." "I am most anxious to do so, but you will not let me speak." The general had a knowledge, or fancied he had, of his fellow men; he remembered his interview with Oliver, and understood that if this man, knowing his reputation, ventured to speak in this way to him, he must have very powerful incentives, and feel very sure of impunity; besides, his own serious position made it a bounden duty for him to obtain information by all possible means. He therefore restrained himself, resolved if the Canadian was really laughing at him to have him hung at once. "Well, speak, and the plague smother you!" he said to him. "In that case, General, the matter is this. But pledge me first your word of honour that if what I am going to tell you is really as important to you as I fancy, you will at once pay me the sum I ask." "Very good; but if you deceive me you will be hung or shot--the choice being left you." "Very good; it is a bargain. Where is the money?" "Do you suppose that I carry four hundred ounces about me?" "Hang it, what is to be done?" the Canadian said, scratching his head. "Stay," the general said, as he showed him two diamond rings, "these are worth nearly double the sum you ask. Are you satisfied?" "On your word, now? Well, I will risk it. Well, listen. This night I had sheltered myself as well as I could about three or four leagues from here, for the purpose of camping. Unfortunately for me, the storm came on, and compelled me to seek a safer shelter." "Cut it short." "I will, General. The night was so dark that, not knowing the country, I lost my way, and got into the very centre of the Mexican camp." "Ah, ah! And I suppose they gave you a warm reception?" "They gave me no reception at all, General." "What? Did they turn you out?" "Who turn me out?" "Hang it, how do I know? The sentries, perhaps." "Why, General, that is the very point; the camp is deserted; the Mexican army has disappeared." The general gave a bound of surprise. "Are you mocking me, scoundrel?" he shouted violently; "Are you aware whom you are speaking to when you come to tell me such falsehoods?" "Hang it, General, it is easy to assure yourself whether I speak the truth, by going to see. However, it appears that the Mexicans were in a hurry to be off, for they left behind them cannon, forage--everything, in a word."