"Yes; but all is not over yet: if we have succeeded in taking the town of Galveston from the Mexicans, they have fifty others left, in which they can shut themselves up. Hence, believe me, instead of giving way to immoderate joy, and imprudent confidence, redouble, on the contrary, your efforts and self-denial, if you wish to remain victors to the end."
"But what is to be done to obtain the result we desire as much as you do?" the one who had already spoken asked.
"Follow blindly the counsels I give you, and obey without hesitation or comment the orders I send you. Will you promise me this?"
"Yes," they exclaimed, enthusiastically; "you alone, Don Benito, can guide us safely and ensure our victory."
There was a moment's silence. The man who had just been addressed as Don Benito went to a corner of the room hidden behind a curtain of green serge. This curtain he drew back, and behind it was an alabaster statue of the Virgin Soledad, with a lamp burning in front of it, and then turned to the others.
"On your knees, and take off your hats," he said.
They obeyed.
"Now," he continued, "swear to keep faithfully the promise you have just made me of your own accord; swear to be merciful to the conquered in battle, and gentle to the prisoners after the victory. At this price I pledge myself to support you; if not, I retire immediately from a cause which is at least dishonoured, if not lost."
The three men, after piously crossing themselves, stretched out their right arms toward the statue, saying in a firm voice—
"We swear it, by the share we hope in Paradise."