"That you have, all of you. I know that in the future I shall look back upon my prison as the dearest spot upon earth."
"We shall be sorry to lose you and shall miss you much, but have not you promised me that it shall only be for a time?"
"I have, and if God give me life I will keep my promise. When my own country needs my sword no longer then I will come back and aid you in the great object you have at heart."
"That object is surely well-nigh attained already. Spain fighting for her own liberty will hardly deny liberty to us."
"I wish I could think so, but I fear you will not become a free people without a sore struggle, and one which will entail much sorrow upon yourself."
"I know of what you think, it has caused me many a sleepless night for months past. You think of my father?"
"Yes, Don Roderigo is a man of very liberal opinions, but when the struggle commences he will remember only that he is a Spaniard."
"But he and many other Spaniards would gladly yield to us a share in the government of our own country, that is all we ask from Spain, we do not wish for absolute independence."
"You do not, for your father's sake, but others who have no such tie to Spain will be content with nothing short of complete independence. That Spain shall ever yield to you rights which she denies to her own sons is a dream, my friend. A year ago that was your opinion also."
"It was," said Marcelino sadly.