"Oh!" Valentine exclaimed, striking his forehead, "I have it; it is the general who commanded the Mexican troops, and to whom Don Miguel de Zarate surrendered."
"Yes."
"Well, he was a brave and honest soldier in those days; he kept his word to our friend nobly. I cannot be angry with him."
"He is a traitor."
"From your point of view, chief, possibly so, but not from mine. It is true; I perfectly remember him now. Poor General Ibañez often spoke to me about him: he was not fond of him either. It is a strange coincidence. Good! Fear nothing, chief; I will watch. Whether friend or foe, this man has never seen me—he knows not who I am; hence I have a great advantage over him. Thanks, chief!"
"Is my brother satisfied?"
"You have rendered me an immense service, chief; so you can judge whether I am satisfied."
Curumilla smiled.
"Wah!" he said, "all the better."
"Yes, chief, all the better, and let us breakfast. I feel a ferocious appetite ever since, thanks to you, I have been able to see my way a little more clearly."