I then made him another low bow, which he returned with one still lower, and leaving him now staring at the passport and now looking at myself, I went into a posada, to which I was directed by a beggar whom I met.
I fed the horse, and procured some bread and barley, as the Gypsy had directed me; I likewise purchased three fine partridges of a fowler, who was drinking wine in the posada. He was satisfied with the price I gave him, and offered to treat me with a copita, to which I made no objection. As we sat discoursing at the table, the national entered with the passport in his hand, and sat down by us.
National.—Caballero! I return you your passport, it is quite in form; I rejoice much to have made your acquaintance; I have no doubt that you can give me some information respecting the present war.
Myself.—I shall be very happy to afford so polite and honourable a gentleman any information in my power.
National.—What is England doing,—is she about to afford any assistance to this country? If she pleased she could put down the war in three months.
Myself.—Be under no apprehension, Señor nacional; the war will be put down, don’t doubt. You have heard of the English legion, which my Lord Palmerston has sent over? Leave the matter in their hands, and you will soon see the result.
National.—It appears to me that this Caballero Balmerson must be a very honest man.
Myself.—There can be no doubt of it.
National.—I have heard that he is a great general.
Myself.—There can be no doubt of it. In some things neither Napoleon nor the sawyer [104] would stand a chance with him for a moment. Es mucho hombre.