"What is the meaning of this new outrage?" gasped Serano, backing into his corner again as O'Connor's men started to execute his order.
"Your uniform will serve as a passport if you refuse to write the pass," said O'Connor laughing.
"I'll write the pass," said the general quickly, and O'Connor motioned back his men. "My uniform shall never be so disgraced."
"Suit yourself, general—uniform or pass—it's all the same to me. There is pen and ink."
Serano sat down and with ill grace wrote something on a piece of paper which he handed to O'Connor. The latter read it and handed it back, with a shake of his head.
"You will have to try again, general," he said. "Now write as I dictate."
"Never, sir."
"Your nevers come trippingly on the tongue, general. Boys, the general's uniform, please."
"No, no, I'll write it."
"Very well, but please to remember that I have no time for elocutionary exercises. One more never and off comes that uniform. I'll give you just three minutes to write this: 'Pass Captain O'Connor and his party through all Spanish lines and outposts.' That's right; now sign it."