"By what right do you make me such a proposal?" the General asked, whose pride revolted at being forced to hold a parley with a citizen.
"I could answer you," replied Don Tadeo, sternly, "that it is by the right of the stronger, and that you know as well as I do that you are combating for a lost cause, and that you are persisting without advantage in a senseless struggle; but I prefer addressing myself to your heart, and saying, why should brothers and fellow countrymen continue to cut each other's throats?—why should we any longer shed such precious blood? Make your conditions, General, and be assured that for the sake of protecting your soldier's honour, that honour which is ours also, as among the troops against whom we fight are our relations, friends, and countrymen, we will grant them as extensively as you can desire."
The General felt himself moved, this noble language had found an echo in his heart; he looked down on the ground, and reflected for several minutes; at length, raising his head, he replied—
"Sir, believe me it costs me much not to answer as I could wish what you have done me the honour to say to me; but I have a leader above me."
"In your turn please to explain yourself, sir," said Don Tadeo.
"I have sworn to Don Pancho Bustamente to defend his cause to the death."
"Well?"
"Well, sir, unless Don Pancho Bustamente were killed or a prisoner,—in either of which cases I should consider myself freed from my oath to him,—I will lay down my life for him."
"Is that the only reason that prevents you, General?"
"Yes, the only one."