"I see your long journey from Caracas has not quite exhausted you," he said, with a faint gleam of amusement in his eyes.
Strawbridge felt a deep relief. He glanced at the soldier's cap and began to laugh.
"Thank you," he said; "I manage to travel very well."
The general turned to the negro.
"Gumersindo, telephone my casa that Señor Strawbridge will occupy the chamber overlooking the river."
The drummer put up a hand in protest.
"Now, General, I'll go on to the hotel."
The general erased the objection:
"There are no hotels in Canalejos, Señor Strawbridge; a few little eating-houses which the peons use when they come in from the llanos, that is all."