"For my part, I feel my eyelids extraordinarily heavy, and my eyes close against my will; with your permission I will follow the example of our comrades, and take a few moments of that refreshing sleep they seem to enjoy so greatly."
"One moment—I have something to say to you."
"Very good," he said, with an air of the utmost indifference.
He rose, stifling a sigh of regret, and seated himself by the Captain's side, who withdrew to make room for him under the protecting shadow of the large tree which stretched out above his head its giant arms, loaded with vines and Spanish beard.
"We are about to talk seriously," the Captain went on.
"As you please."
"Can you be frank?"
"What?" the soldier said, thrown off his guard by the suddenness of the question.
"Or, if you prefer it, can you be honest?"
"That depends."