"We shall then get rid of these bawling rascals; they will scarcely dare to besiege us in open daylight."
"I have my doubts as to what course they may pursue, senor."
"How, Pedro?"
"Indeed, senor, in the present disorganized state of the country, our Spanish robbers are bold enough to do any thing. Throughout the whole land they are numerous as the leaves of the forest, and keep up lines of regular communication between one place and another. We may thank the French invasion for such a state of things."
"Why are such bands permitted to exist?"
"Exist, senor! Can shaven monks or lazy alcaldes subdue them?"'
"No; but armed soldiers may."
"Lord Wellington does not meddle with them, as they never assault his troops; and old Murillo's soldiers have always work enough on hand, without making war on the banditti."
"But how do these fellows come to be so numerous? Ah, curse that ball! a narrow escape!"
"Senor, war compels our peasantry to become fierce and roving guerillas: from the guerilla to the bandit is an easy transition."