Ned was not
revengeful, but he noted the man's face. Had he been armed then he
would have struck back at any cost. But he took care not to stagger
again, although it required a supreme effort.
They halted about an hour at noon, and Ned ate some rough food and drank
water with the Tlascalans. He was deeply grateful for the short rest,
and, as he sat trying to keep himself from collapse, Almonte came up and
held out a flask.
"It is wine," he said. "It will strengthen you. Drink."
Ned drank. He was not used to wine, but he had been so near exhaustion
that he took it as a medicine. When he handed the flask back the color
returned to his face and the blood flowed more vigorously in his veins.
"General Cos does not wish me to see you at all," said Almonte. "He
thinks you should be treated with the greatest harshness, but I am not
without influence and I may be able to ease your march a little."
"I know that you will do it if you can," said Ned gratefully.
Yet Almonte was able to do little more for him. The march was resumed
under equally trying conditions, after the short rest. When night came
and the detachment stopped, Ned ached in every bone, and his feet were
sore and bleeding. Almonte was sent away in the morning on another
service, and there was no one to interfere for him.
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