16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
vouched for three relatively disinterested generals
and stated that if they were properly approached
they might move in concert and
precipitate the revolution: this would be all the
more feasible if they were supplied with donatives
to win the support of five or six regiments
in key positions. 'This we can afford to do,'
said Gayongos, 'whereas the French can not.
Yet these are difficult, imperious men, and the
presentation of the scheme is of the very first
importance; and in any case it is you who
have to decide on their value and on the present
situation. General Hurtado is by far the
most influential, and he is in Lima at present:
should you like to go shooting with him early
on Friday morning?'
'Very much. It would I think be indiscreet to
ask to borrow your confidential reports.'
'They are indeed very bulky; and although I
could explain their presence, no one else out-