Then, drowsily, he half closed his eyes, and soon fell
sound asleep.

"Hey!" a man called to Pancracio from the threshold.
"When can I see your general?"

"You can't see him. He's got a hangover this morn-
ing. What the hell do you want?"
"I want to buy some of those books you're burning."
"I'll sell them to you myself."
"How much do you want for them?"
Pancracio frowned in bewilderment.

"Give me a nickel for those with pictures, see. I'll
give you the rest for nothing if you buy all those with pictures."

The man returned with a large basket to carry away
the books. . . .

"Come on, Demetrio, come on, you pig, get up! Look
who's here! It's Blondie. You don't know what a fine
man he is!"

"I like you very much, General Macias, and I like
the way you do things. So if it's all right, I'd like very
much to serve under you!"

"What's your rank?" Demetrio asked him.

"I'm a captain, General."