Sam stopped there occasionally for a
drink of water, and became acquainted with the keeper of the cafe, who
was particularly amicable and fond of conversation. Cleary was on the
lookout for accommodations in the neighborhood, and Sam introduced him
to this native, Senor Garcia, who provided him with a room. One evening
Sam was sitting with Cleary in the cafe when Garcia, as was his custom,
joined them, and they began to talk in the Castalian language.
"We are glad you people are coming to rule our islands," said Garcia;
"that is, those of us who know your history, because we know that you
are a great people and love freedom."
"I am pleased to hear it," said Sam. "Cleary, I was sure that all the
sensible natives would feel that way."
"You believe in liberty, equality, fraternity?"
"Of course we do," said Cleary.
"Yes," said Sam, "if you understand those words properly. Now liberty
doesn't interfere with obedience. Our whole army here is built up on
the idea of obedience. We've all got liberty, of course, but----"
"Liberty to do what?" asked Garcia innocently.
"Why, liberty to--well, to--yes, liberty to do as we're ordered,"
said Sam.
"Ah! I see," said Garcia. "And then you have equality."
"Yes," said Sam, "in a general way we have. But that doesn't prevent
people from differing in rank. Now there's the general, he's my
superior, and I'm the superior of the lieutenants, and we're all
superior to the privates.
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