Not wishing to weaken the camp, which stood in need of all its defenders, he resolved himself to undertake the adventure, and go out on the scout. At the instant he was about to climb over the intrenchments, the captain stopped him, by placing his hand respectfully on his shoulders. "What do you want with, me, my friend?" the general asked, turning round. "I wish, with your permission, to put a question to you, general." "Do so." "You are leaving the camp?" "I am." "To go in search of intelligence, no doubt?" "I admit that is my intention." "Then, general, it is to me that mission belongs." "Ay! how is that?" said the astonished general. "Good God! general, that is very plain; I am but a poor devil of an officer, and owe everything to you." "What then?" "The peril I shall run, if peril there be, will not in any way compromise the success of the expedition; whereas----" "If you are killed." The general started. "Everything must be foreseen and provided for," continued the captain, "when we have before us such adversaries as those that threaten us." "That is true. What then?" "Well, the expedition will fail, and not one of us will ever see a civilized country again. You are the head; we are but the arms; remain, therefore, in the camp." The general reflected for a few seconds; then pressing the hand of the young man cordially, he said,-- "Thank you, but I must see for myself what is being plotted against us. The circumstance is too serious to allow me to trust even to you." "You must remain in the camp, general," persisted the captain, "if not for our sake, at least for that of your niece, that innocent and delicate creature, who, if any misfortune should happen to you, would find herself alone, abandoned amidst ferocious tribes, without support, and without a protector. Of what consequence is my life to me, a poor lad without a family, who owes everything to your kindness? The hour is come to prove my gratitude--let me discharge my debt." "But----" the general tried to speak. "You know," the young man continued, warmly, "if I could take your place with Doña Luz, I would do it with joy; but I am as yet too young to play that noble part. Come, general, let me go instead of you, it is my duty to do so." Half by persuasion, half by force he succeeded in drawing the old soldier back; he sprang upon the intrenchments, leaped down on the other side, and set off at full speed, after making a last sign of farewell. The general looked after him as long as he could perceive him; then he passed his hand across his careful brow, murmuring,-- "Brave boy! excellent nature!" "Is he not, uncle?" Doña Luz replied, who had approached and listened without being seen. "Ah! were you there, dear child?" he said, with a smile, which he endeavoured in vain to render cheerful. "Yes, dear uncle, I have heard all."