"What?" the General interrupted, and then added, ironically, "To make me proposals, I presume, on the part of the insurgents. Know, sir, that whatever may happen, I will never consent to treat with rebels. Thank Colonel Melendez, who was kind enough to introduce you to my presence. Had it not been for his intervention I should have had you hung as a traitor to your country. Begone!--or stay!" he added, on reflection; "I will not leave you here after I am gone. Seize this man!" "General, take care," the American replied. "I am intrusted with a mission; arresting me is a violation of the law of nations." "Nonsense, sir," the General continued, with a shrug of his shoulders, "why, you must be mad? Do I recognize the right of the persons from whom you come to send me a flag of truce? Do I know who you are? Viva Dios! In what age are we living, then, that rebels dare to treat on equal terms with the government against which they have revolted? You are my prisoner, sir! But be at your ease I have no intention of ill-treating you, or retaining you any length of time. You will accompany us to the mainland, that is all. When we have arrived there you will be free to go wherever you please; so you see, sir, that those Mexicans, whom you like to represent in such dark colours, are not quite so ferocious as you would have them supposed." "We have always rendered justice to your heart and loyalty, General." "I care very little for the opinion you and yours have of me. Come on, sir." "I protest, General, against this illegal arrest." "Protest as much as you please, sir, but follow me!" As resistance would have been madness, Davis obeyed. "Well," he said, with a laugh, "I follow you, General. After all, I have not much cause to complain, for everything is fair in war." They went out. In spite of the dazzling brilliancy of the sun, whose beams spread a tropical heat through the town, the entire population encumbered the streets and squares. The multitude was silent, however; it witnessed with calm stoicism the departure of the Mexican army; not an effort was attempted by the people to break the cordon of sentries drawn up on the fort. When the General appeared, the crowd made way respectfully to let him pass, and many persons saluted him.