"Why did they send you? You don't belong to those fellows at Valmosa."
"Never saw one of them in my life. But the order was given me, and that's enough."
"The old general had had his dinner when he gave the order?"
"Yes."
"Then we know what that means. He had more wine than wit in his body."
"I must get away," said Ruiz.
"There's no hurry."
"Not for you. Stay, if you please."
"No, no; we'll all go together."
Ruiz Calderon rose.