"No."
"That he took Hermosillo by assault?"
"No."
"And that General Guerrero's army is utterly routed?"
"No. Is what you tell me really the truth?"
"The most perfect truth."
"In that case the count is victor?"
"Yes, and is now installed at Hermosillo."
"It is almost incredible. And now, my friend, as I have answered all your questions frankly and without comment, will you do me the kindness to tell me why you asked them?"
"Yesterday, so soon as the count was master of Hermosillo, he thought of you, perhaps of somebody else, and he sent off a courier ordered to give you a letter."