For a minute or two he contemplated, with envy perhaps, the calm sleep of his old companion in arms, and he then gently nudged him with his foot.
"Eh!" cried Don Sylvio, rubbing his eyes, and looking round him with a frightened air, "I thought I had been sleeping."
"Yes, a little," answered the Montonero, smiling, "for seven or eight hours nearly."
"As much as that!" cried the old soldier.
"A little more, perhaps; I won't answer for the exact time."
"Oh, general!" cried the captain, in A sad voice, "I shall never forgive myself."
"Where do you see any want of respect in that, my dear Quiroga; you were fatigued with a long journey, made on foot, in the dark."
"But I should have been awakened, general."
"What for?"
"The fact is, general, if I must confess it," said he, candidly, "it is a long time since I had so good a turn."