The doctor, who had hitherto contented himself with displaying the dissatisfaction which he felt on seeing the general fatigue himself with talking, thought it prudent not to allow the interview to go on, and made an observation to that effect.
"Thanks, doctor," said the general, "for the interest you take in my cure."
"General," said Leon, "the doctor is right; my presence is no longer necessary here. I will hasten to Santiago, and ere long I hope you shall hear from me. Señora Doña Maria does not require my services further, and so I will retire."
"Oh, father!" Maria could not refrain from saying, "if you only knew how brave and generous he is!"
The general made no reply, and seemed to be reflecting.
"Doctor," he said, suddenly addressing the surgeon, "you must arrange some plan for transporting me to Santiago."
"What are you thinking of, general?" the other exclaimed, falling back a couple of steps, so great was his surprise; "it is impossible."
"And yet it must be," the old man remarked calmly. "If my son is still alive, he is at Santiago with General Don Sallazar; I wish to see them."
"What?" said Leon.
"Once again, it is impossible," remarked the doctor, who was grieved to see the obstinacy with which his patient supported his resolve.