Jack said
dryly.

"They are savage," the count said, "but you must remember that the
history of Spain is one long story of war and bloodshed. They draw
knives on each other on the slightest provocation, and in their
amusements, as you know, there is nothing that in their eyes can rival
a bullfight; it is little wonder, then, that in war they are savage and,
as you would say, even bloodthirsty. This is not so in regular warfare.
Whatever may have been the conduct of some of our irregulars, none have
ever alleged that Spanish troops are less inclined to give quarter to
conquered foes than others; but in this rough irregular warfare each
peasant fights on his own account as against a personal enemy, and as
he would expect and would meet with little mercy if he fell into the
enemy's hands, so he grants no mercy to those who fall into his. Indeed,
after the brutal treatment which Marshal Tesse has, I am ashamed to say,
dealt out to those who opposed him, you can scarcely blame peasants for
acting as they see civilized soldiers do."

A short time afterward Jack went out with the count into the courtyard,
and was received with the most hearty and cordial greeting by the men
who were an hour before thirsting for his blood. Among them was the
village mayor.

"Ah, sir," he said, "why did you not tell us that you had saved the
life of our lord and lady? You should have had all the horses in the
district, and as many wagons of wine and grain as we could collect. We
are all in despair that we should have attacked our lord's preserver."

"I could not tell you," Jack said, "because I was in ignorance that the
Count de Minas was your lord; had I known it I should have assuredly
gone straight to him."

"We shall never forgive ourselves," the man said, "for having killed
four of your honor's soldiers."

"I am sorry that it was so," Jack said, "but I cannot blame you; and I
am sorry that we on our part must have killed as many of yours."

"Six," the mayor replied. "Yes, poor fellows, but the count will see to
their widows and orphans, he has promised us as much. I drink to your
health, senor," and all present joined in the shout, "Long live the
preserver of the count and countess!"

Jack and the count now returned to the house, and the next morning,
after a cordial adieu to the host and hostess, he rode back with his men
to Castillon.

"Welcome back, Mr. Stilwell," the general said as he entered; "I have
been very uneasy abou