The meat stores were entirely empty, although they should have contained a large number of tierces of salted beef.

This was a matter of minor importance, for in case of the approach of an enemy, the people of the country round would drive their cattle into the town, and, indeed, the allowance of meat to a Spanish soldier was so small that he could do well without it, existing entirely upon bread and fried beans.
Of wine there was scarce half the amount indicated.

A great number of the barrels had been filled only with water.
It was late in the afternoon when the work ceased.
"I should require a fortnight," Desmond said, "to get accurate figures.

This, however, is comparatively unimportant.

It is quite sufficient to know that in no case is there half the amount, either of ammunition or of provisions, given in the governor's last report, and that fraud on a large scale has been carried on; and I cannot but think that some men, at least, of higher rank than these storekeepers must have been privy to the affair." "There has certainly been something wrong in the supply of clothes, Major Kennedy.