"What are these men?" said he.
"Nothing much—poor devils of servants, I believe."
"Ah! Not soldiers?"
"Not one."
"However, they defended themselves."
"Well, General, that is their right."
The general fixed his piercing eye upon the impassive face of the old soldier.
"Ah!" said he; "How many of your men have they killed?"
"Two, and wounded five, but honourably."
"I find you very tenderhearted today, Captain Quiroga," said he, in a tone of sarcasm.