I fear that he will be hard with you, but I shall do what I can to assuage his severity." "I thank you, Colonel Almonte," said Ned with a gravity beyond his years.

"You are a generous enemy, and chance may help me some day to return your kindness, but whatever treatment General Cos may accord me, I hope I shall be able to stand it." In another hour they saw a column of dust ahead of them.

The column grew and soon Ned saw lances and bayonets shining through it.

He knew that this was the army of Cos, and, just as the eastern light began to fade, they joined it.

Cos was going into camp by the side of a small stream, and, after a little delay, Almonte took the prisoner to him.
A large tent had been erected for General Cos, but he was sitting before it, eating his supper.