The latter went about among the peasants with a kindly word of welcome to each, giving them the cheering news that though the great English general was occupied in Valencia, he had promised that, when the time came, he would come with all haste to the defense of Barcelona, and in the mean time he had sent an officer of his own staff to assist him to lead the noble Catalans in the defense of their country.

On the steps of the church the priest, with half a dozen willing assistants, was distributing food from the wagons to the peasants.
"Don't open the ammunition wagon tonight," the count said.

"The men must not take as much as they like, but the ammunition must be served out regularly, for a Catalan will never believe that he has too much powder, and if left alone the first comers would load themselves with it, and the supply would run short before all are provided." The count then entered the church, where a party of men were occupied in putting down a thick layer of straw.

Here as many as could find room were to sleep, the others sheltering in the houses and barns, for the nights were still very cold among the hills.

Having seen that all was going on well, the count returned to his quarters, where a room had been assigned to Jack's two dragoons, and the sound of loud laughter from within showed that they were making themselves at home with the inmates.
A well cooked repast was soon on the table, and to this Jack and his host did full justice.
"This wine is excellent; surely it does not grow on these hills!" "No," the count said, laughing.