There is so little trade, now, that it is scarce possible to buy a flask of the white wine of the south, here.

Of course, the pass will be equally useful going down to fetch it for, without it, my mules would be certain to be impressed for service, by the French.
"So you see, nothing could have happened more fortunately for, anywhere between the Tagus and Badajoz, we can turn off from Estremadura into Portugal.

It would not be safe to try near Badajoz, for Soult's army is scattered all over there and, though the pass would be doubtless respected by superior officers, if we fell in with foraging parties they would have no hesitation in shooting me, tearing up the pass, and carrying off my mules.

For your sake as well as my own, therefore, I would turn off and cross the mountains--say, to Portalegre--and go down to Elvas.

There you would be with your friends; and I could cross again, further south, and make my way down to Xeres." "They say that two of Marmont's divisions started south, yesterday." "That is unfortunate, for they will leave little behind them in the way of food and drink; and we shall find it better to travel by by-roads.