The square is so large, and the sun was so hot, that the police--whose head-quarters are under the arches in that very square--could not possibly walk across to see what was going on!--_moral_, if you will have the distinction of having the largest square in the world, you must take the consequences.
Of course, where thieving is so general, the market for stolen goods must be a place of considerable trade, and this Baratillo is one of the principal depots for such wares.

One may realize here the story of the citizen, in the old book, who had his wig stolen at the beginning of his walk through London, and found it hanging up for sale a little further on.

Here the deserter comes to sell his uniform and his ricketty old flintlock.

Small blame to him.

I would do the same myself if I were in his place, and were compelled to serve under one rascally political adventurer against another rascally political adventurer--to say nothing of being treated like a dog, half-starved, and not paid at all, except by a sort of half license to plunder.