"Tell me its purport in as few words as possible." "I have discovered, sir, that the report sent by the governor of the supply of provisions and stores in Badajos is altogether inaccurate, that frauds to an enormous extent have been perpetrated, that the supply of powder and cartridges is less by two-thirds than was represented, and that similar deficiencies exist in every department." "This is indeed serious," the duke said.

"The possession of Badajos is essential to us.

It blocks the way to an enemy's advance, and indeed, they can scarce move forward until it is captured.

Now, tell me more about it; or no, I will read your report, and then question you concerning it." A heavy frown settled on the duke's brow, as he perused the document.
"Infamous!" he exclaimed, when he had finished.

"And you say that two attempts were made to murder you that night, and that the Spanish colonel who gave you so much assistance was assassinated, and the commissaries shot the next morning?
It shows how anxious the governor was to remove from his path all those who could inculpate him.
"And how did you manage to get out of the toils?
For it was clearly of no use killing the minor witnesses, and allowing you to ride here to report the facts." "I saw that, sir; and as I learned that eight or ten troopers had been sent off, late the night before, I concluded that the road would be sure to be beset, for doubtless some of the contractors would feel it as essential as the governor did, that my mouth should be silenced and my report suppressed.