He spared none of the race (being enemies) who fell into his hands.

Natives of the country, especially those with Indian blood in their veins, he treated more mercifully--when his men would let him, for they liked killing even more than they liked fighting, and had an unpleasant way of answering a remonstrance from their officers with a thrust from their spears.
Mejia owed his ascendancy over them quite as much to his good fortune in war as to his personal prowess and resolute character.
"If I were to lose a battle they would probably take my life, and I should certainly have to resign my command," he observed, when we were talking the matter over after the pursuit (which, night being near, was soon abandoned); "and a _llanero_ leader must lead--no playing the general or watching operations from the rear--or it will be the worse for him." "I understand; he must be first or nowhere." "Yes, first or nowhere; and they will brook no punishment save death.

If a man disobeys me I either let it pass or shoot him out of hand, according to circumstances.

If I were to strike a man or order him under arrest, the entire force would either mutiny or disband.

_Si senor_, my _llaneros_ are wild fellows." They looked it.