"Perfectly, general; when shall I set out?"
"Directly; you will take six men with you."
"What for, general?"
"You will afterwards know."
"Ah! Good! Go on."
"Yesterday there arrived with me in the camp, two loyalist officers, with whom I scarcely know what to do. However, as they are my guests, I wish to treat them with respect; you will accompany them till you see the Spanish advance posts, and there you will leave them. You understand that, during all the time they remain with you, you will pay them the most friendly attentions, and, if needs be, you will defend them."
"That shall be done, general. Well?"
"You will not open the letter containing your instructions till you have reached the plains; you will read those instructions carefully."
"I understand, general. Have you any other orders?"
"No, my friend; it only remains for me to urge you to be brave. I know you too well to doubt your courage, but be prudent; above all, succeed."