As we sat discoursing at the table, the
national entered with the passport in his hand, and sat down by us.
National. - Caballero! I return you your passport, it is quite in
form; I rejoice much to have made your acquaintance; I have no
doubt that you can give me some information respecting the present
war.
Myself. - I shall be very happy to afford so polite and honourable a
gentleman any information in my power.
National. - What is England doing, - is she about to afford any
assistance to this country? If she pleased she could put down the
war in three months.
Myself. - Be under no apprehension, Senor nacional; the war will be
put down, don't doubt. You have heard of the English legion, which
my Lord Palmerston has sent over? Leave the matter in their hands,
and you will soon see the result.
National. - It appears to me that this Caballero Balmerson must be a
very honest man.
Myself. - There can be no doubt of it.
National. - I have heard that he is a great general.
Myself. - There can be no doubt of it. In some things neither
Napoleon nor the sawyer {5} would stand a chance with him for a
moment.
