"I could not have anything better, my old friend."
"Then away with melancholy!" cried the captain, with a joyous air; "Care would kill a cat."
The general burst out laughing at this unusual sally of Don Sylvio Quiroga, and they continued their journey, talking of one thing and another.
They soon arrived at the wood in which the squadron was encamped, and in a few minutes found themselves in the glade.
In the absence of Don Sylvio, the oldest officer of the corps, the squadron was commanded by Don Estevan Albino.
The young officer received his chief with great demonstrations of joy.
"You, of course, did not expect me so soon, Don Albino?" said the Montonero.
"Pardon me, general; half an hour ago your approach was signalled to me by the sentinels."
"You keep a good lookout?"
"We obey your orders."