"What became of Asneiros when my men were disbanded?"
"Liniers has given him a captain's commission, but I don't know if he has joined any regiment yet."
"He is a smart soldier, but he is all a Spaniard. Do you know, if there were many Spaniards among us like him we could never have the country to ourselves, they would beat us if we came to fighting."
"There are many Spaniards as good as he," replied Evaña; "but not for that have I any fear. The Spanish system keeps the good men down, that is the weakness of Spain, and that is also the reason why we must free ourselves from Spain. We have many good men amongst us, but nothing can they do so long as Spain and the Spanish system rule over us."
"True. I shall see Asneiros some day, and shall keep my eye on him."
"Well, you have my bad news, now for the good ones. Your friend Gordon has come back with Don Fausto, and is coming with me to see you this afternoon."
"Viva! Yes, that is good."
"You can talk to him as much as you like about the grey-eyed Magdalen. She talks English as well as I do, and Gordon and she are great friends."
"And Gordon, poor fellow, will be a prisoner yet for no one knows how long."
"He does not seem to fret about it. Very few prisoners find such kind gaolers; I am sure I do not pity him."