Part Three, Chapters 17 & 18 Summary

Sharpe feels responsible for Leroux's escape, and his anger helps him to continually exercise and recuperate. Helena visits daily. In a letter from Hogan, Sharpe learns that Leroux is hiding in Salamanca. If the British cannot defeat the French, Salamanca will return to French control, and Leroux will be free to terrorize again. Sharpe also learns that a guard has been assigned to El Mirador. He is surprised, because every time Helena visits she comes alone.

One evening when Helena visits, Spears comes along. Sharpe is able to speak to Spears alone, and he asks about guarding El Mirador. Spears is shocked and angry that Sharpe knows of his assignment.

Helena tells Sharpe that she did not hear cannon fire today. She asks Sharpe what that means. Sharpe says he thinks it means that the two opposing armies are...