“We have got the men, the arms, and the horses, but we all require what cannot so readily be obtained—the necessary discipline,” he answered. “I myself require to learn the duties of an officer, for, except that I can use a sword and lance, I know little of military affairs.”
“You will soon learn, Juan,” said Dona Dolores in encouraging tones; “you must obtain an expert instructor, and your own natural talents will point out to you how to act on most occasions.”
Just then a military officer approached and bowed to Dona Dolores. I saw an expression of scorn pass over her countenance, unobserved by Juan, who, saluting the officer, addressed him as Captain Lopez.
“The very man I want,” observed my friend. “I have just raised a body of men, who require to be disciplined. You have had experience; you must join me, if you do not already belong to a regiment.”
I did not hear the answer given by Captain Lopez, but Dona Dolores, turning to me, said, “He is not to be trusted; a mean-spirited fellow, though a great boaster. You must tell Juan not to accept his services.”
This Captain Lopez was, I afterwards found, a rejected suitor for the hand of Dona Dolores. With her clear perception, she had discovered that he did not possess the qualities she could admire.
Juan and Captain Lopez had gone to some distance, and were engaged in eager conversation. During this time several persons had come up and asked Dona Dolores to dance; but she declined, saying that she was in no mood for such an amusement. She contrived, however, to keep most of them by her side for some time, while she urged on them the duty of joining the Patriot cause. I left her surrounded by a number of gentlemen, and went to look after Juan, to whom I wished to repeat the remarks I had heard from Dona Dolores. I found him at length in an alcove, still talking with Captain Lopez. The captain’s countenance, as I watched him at a little distance, impressed me very unfavourably. There was a scowl on his brow, and a peculiar wrinkle about his lips, which made me feel that I for one would not trust him; and I hoped that my friend would not be induced to do so either.
I waited until the captain quitted Juan, to whom I then went up, and told him what Dona Dolores had said.
“She is too probably right, for she has wonderful perception of character; but, unfortunately, I have engaged Captain Lopez to come and drill my men, and I cannot now well put him off without his considering himself insulted. However, I will remember the warning I have received, and not trust him too much. I intend to bear the whole expense of the corps myself, and am anxious to get some smart young officers. I wish that you would join us, Duncan. You would soon learn your duties; they come almost by instinct to some people.”
“If I can get my father’s leave, depend upon it I will,” I answered; “and as Mr Laffan has seen some service, I have no doubt that he will assist you. Perhaps he himself will join. I suspect that he would be as well able to drill your corps as Captain Lopez.”