"These, very probably," I said, half to myself, "are the watch of the grenadier Gasparini, the cross of the sergeant-major Gambetta, and sword-knot of Lieutenant Polidoro."
"Yes, yes," replied the general, without looking toward them; "I bought the watch and the cross from the drummer Zanetto. Poor child! The first bullet sent him to his account in the assault on Fort Olivo, the 29th of May, before Tarragona. For goodness' sake, let it alone."
I saw that my curiosity made him impatient, so I returned the lamp and took up my hat to retire.
"You are leaving us very soon, my friend," said the general.
"You know, general, that I must be home by half-past nine."
"Right. Duty before all. I hope you don't intend to put all I have said upon paper."
"You have authorized me to do so, general."
"So be it, then; but upon one condition."
"Name it."
"That you will add nothing of your own to it, as most of you men of letters do; and that you will not pervert my words."