come in search of Señor Candiola,” I replied, “in order to take him where he can be looked after, have his wounds dressed, and be given a little food.”
“For me? I will not leave my house,” he cried in a sad voice. “The committee will have to rebuild it for me. Where do you want to take me? I am in the situation now to be offered alms. My enemies have their will, which was to put me in the position of begging alms. But I shall not beg, no. I will sooner eat my own flesh and drink my own blood than humble myself before those who have brought me to such a state. Perhaps they have sold themselves to the French, and prolong the resistance to earn their money. Then they will deliver the city, and they will be all right.”
“Do leave all those considerations for another time!” I said. “And follow me now, because it is not the time to think about all that. Your daughter has found a place of safety, and we will give you a refuge in the same place.”