"Well, and now?"
"Now I am ready to listen to you."
The American looked at the officers that surrounded him.
"Before all these persons?" he asked.
"Why not? These Caballeros belong to the staff of my army, they are as interested as I am in this interview."
"Perhaps so: still, I would observe, General, that it would be better for our discussion to be private."
"I am the sole judge, Señor, of the propriety of my actions. If it please you to be silent, be so; if not, speak, I am listening."
"There is one thing I wish to settle first."
"What is it?"
"Do you regard me as an envoy, or merely as your prisoner?"