"Let the corporal of chiefs of sections answer for all," said Don Tadeo.
"I am the corporal," said one of the masked men; "the orders expedited from the Quinta Verde have been executed; all the sections are warned; they are all ready to rise at the first signal; each will take possession of the posts that are assigned it."
"So far well! How many men have you at your disposal?"
"Seven thousand three hundred and seventy-seven."
"Can you depend upon them all?"
"No."
"How many are there lukewarm or irresolute?"
"Four thousand."
"How many firm and convinced?"
"Nearly three thousand; but for these I will be answerable."