He did not go to bed, at a late hour,
without having learned much as to the garrison of Badajoz, and of the
few precautions taken for the safety of this important fortress.
Early in the morning, L'Isle called on the governor, and found him in
his dressing-gown, just ready for his chocolate. The Don was well
pleased to hear L'Isle's account of the force coming up from
Andalusia, of his interviews with officers high in command in it, and
his comments on the spirit, activity, and endurance of the Spanish
soldier. This led to further conversation, in which L'Isle, while
sipping chocolate with the Spaniard, took occasion to abuse the French
roundly, which was agreeable enough to his host; but he quite won his
heart by the unfeigned contempt and abhorrence he expressed for the
_Afrancesados_.
L'Isle soon found that, in spite of his unsoldierly undress, the Don
was a sturdy old fellow, who chafed at being shut up in a garrison,
surrounded by defensive walls and moats. He longed to take the field
and become the assailant.
"I trust we will all be in the field shortly," said L'Isle, echoing
his sentiment. "But we have wily foes to deal with.
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