"How far distant is this plain ?" "Not more than a league.

I would go with you, but--" Here Don Cosme hesitated, and, approaching, said in a low tone: "The truth is, Senor Capitan, I should be glad if you could take them _without my consent_.
I have mixed but little in the politics of this country; but Santa Anna is my enemy--he will ask no better motive for despoiling me." "I understand you," said I.

"Then, Don Cosme, we will take your mules by force, and carry yourself a prisoner to the American camp--a Yankee return for your hospitality." "It is good," replied the Spaniard, with a smile.
"Senor Capitan," continued he, "you are without a sword.

Will you favour me by accepting this ?" Don Cosme held out to me a rapier of Toledo steel, with a golden scabbard richly chased, and bearing on its hilt the eagle and nopal of Mexico.
"It is a family relic, and once belonged to the brave Guadalupe Victoria." "Ha! indeed!" I exclaimed, taking the sword; "I shall value it much.
Thanks, Senor! thanks! Now, Major, we are ready to proceed." "A glass of maraschino, gentlemen ?" said Don Cosme, as a servant appeared with a flask and glasses.

"Thank you--yes," grunted the major; "and while we are drinking it, Senor Don, let me give you a hint.