Part 1: Bautista, Chapter 2 Summary

Sharpe and Harper arrive in Valdivia and meet George Blair, the British Consul. Blair informs them that Don Blas has died and been buried in the town of Puerto Crucero. Blair claims to know many people who were present at the funeral. Sharpe seems doubtful at first, but Blair tries to explain. He says that Don Blas rode ahead of his guard and was ambushed by the rebels. Later some Indians found the body and turned it over to the Spanish authorities.

Slowly Sharpe begins to believe Blair. Sharpe decides that the best thing to do is to return the body to Spain and to Louisa. Blair says that Sharpe will need permits to travel to Puerto Crucero, and he directs Sharpe to visit Captain Marquinez at army headquarters.

While walking to army headquarters, Sharpe and Harper discuss their...