an instant, and not without surprise, the
simply-clad individual whose name at that moment had become so widely
renowned. Although evidently a person of imperturbable coolness, the
stranger said nothing, leaving it to the General to open the
conversation.

"Who are you, my friend, and what do you want?" inquired Morelos.

"To speak a word in confidence with you," replied the man. "This
individual," continued he, pointing to Costal, "whom I encountered
philosophising upon the sea-beach, has promised me that his word would
enable me to obtain an interview with your Excellency, and safe conduct
through your camp. On this promise I have followed him."

"Costal," said the General, "was my first bugler, and with his great
conch sounded the signals to less than twenty horsemen, who at that time
composed my whole army. I confirm the parole he has given you. Speak
freely."

"With your Excellency's permission, then, my name is Pepe Gago. I am a
Gallician, an officer of artillery, and command a battery in the castle
of Acapulco--which your Excellency, if I am not mistaken, desires to
capture."

"It is a pleasure which I intend affording myself one of these days."

"Perhaps your Excellency is confounding the castle with the town? The
latter you can take whenever it pleases you."

"I know that."

"But you would not be able to hold it, so long as we are masters of the
citadel."

"I know that also."

"Ah, then, your Excellency, we are likely to understand one another."

"It is just for that reason that I decline taking the town till I have
first captured the castle."

"Now I think we are still nearer comprehending each other: since it is
just that which you wish to have, that I come to offer you. I will not
say to _sell_: for my price will be so moderate that it will deserve
rather to be called a gift I am making you. _Apropos_, however, of the
price--is your Excellency in funds?"

"Well, you have heard, no doubt, that I have just captured from the
Spanish general, Paris, eleven hundred fusils, five pieces of cannon--to
say nothing of the eight hundred prisoners we have made--and ten
thousand dollars in specie. That is about ten times the price of a
fortress, which in a short time I may have for nothing."

"Be not so sure of that, your Excellency. We have no scarcity of
provisions. The Isle of Roqueta--"

"I shall capture that also."

"Serves us," continued the Spaniard, without noticing the interrupt