"This is what is happening. The general has collected about fifteen hundred men, and hopes, with this escort, to be able to reach Veracruz, where he will embark. He starts at one o'clock tomorrow morning."
"Have things reached this point already?" the count asked.
"All is over. Mexico has surrendered to the Juarists."
"All the worse. Well, let them settle among themselves," the count said. "It does not concern us."
"I do not see in all this," said the duke, "the part we have to play."
"It is this," don Jaime continued, "Miramón believes he can reckon on the fifteen hundred men who compose his escort. But I am persuaded of the contrary. The soldiers are attached to him, it is true, but they detest certain persons who are going with him. I fear lest they may allow themselves to be seduced, and Miramón in this way made prisoner."
"That is what will probably happen," the count remarked with a shake of the head.
"Well, that is exactly what I wish to avoid," he said energetically; "and for this I have reckoned on you."
"By Jove, you were right."
"You could not make a better choice."