It is well for me that he is in command here instead of the marshal; he is a gentleman, and will respect the parole I gave for myself and my men; if it had been Tesse I might have had trouble, for as likely as not he would have scoffed at my promise, and ordered me and my men back to the front again, and then I should have been placed in a nice fix." "The best thing you could do for me," Jack said, "would be to suggest to the marshal that he should exchange me against you.

If he will let me take my two troopers I would throw in all your men.

There will be no occasion to arrange it with our general; you gave your word to me, and I can give it you back again.

As I am of no use to him, and you are, I should think he would consent." "I should think so too," Major Ferre said, "and should be delighted, on both our accounts, if it could be managed." Three hours later the major returned in high spirits.
"I have arranged the matter," he said, "and we are both free men.

You can't stir out of here at present, because it would not be safe for you to go about Madrid; but I have orders to march tomorrow morning, in command of a convoy, to join Las Torres outside Valencia, so you can ride with me till we get near the town, and then join your people." Jack was delighted, and the next morning set out with the convoy.