To the most imposing of these we were conducted by our escort.

Above the doorway, on either side of which stood a sentry, was an inscription: "Headquarters: General Griscelli." The sergeant asked one of the sentries if the general was in, and receiving an answer in the affirmative he entered, leaving us outside.
Presently he returned.
"The general will see you," he said; "be good enough to come in." We went in, and after traversing a wide corridor were ushered into a large room, where an officer in undress uniform sat writing at a big table.
Several other officers were lounging in easy-chairs, and smoking big cigars.
"Here are the prisoners, general," announced our conductor.
The man at the table, looking up, glanced first at Carmen, then at me.
"_Caramba!_" he exclaimed, with a stare of surprise, "you and I have met before, I think." I returned the stare with interest, for though I recognized him I could hardly believe my own eyes.
"On the field of Salamanca ?" "Of course.

You are the English officer who behaved so insolently and got me reprimanded." (This in French.) "I did no more than my duty.

It was you that behaved insolently." "Take care what you say, senor, or _por Dios_--There is no English general to whom you can appeal for protection now.

What are you doing here ?" "Not much good, I fear.