The Logo for Lesson 18 is a "Calavera"

Question 18 SA-5. Here is the text (p. 174/6 to 175/1):

I closed my eyes. I was sure that Villa, rising up from his seat, or even sitting down, would whip out his pistol to punish such a colossal reproach of his conduct in something so close to his soul. But a few seconds passed, and after that Villa asked in a calm voice which contrasted extraordinarily with the tempest that had come before:

&laqno;Well, tell me why you don't think the order was a good idea».

Llorente was so pale that his skin looked just like his starched white collar. But he answered firmly: &laqno;Because the report said, General, that the hundred and sixty men surrendered».

&laqno;Yes. So what?»

&laqno;Well, taken in battle like that, they should not be executed».

&laqno;Why not?»

&laqno;Because of that, General: because they surrendered».

&laqno;That really is hilarious. Where did they teach you these things?»

The shame of my silence overwhelmed me. I couldn't take it any longer. I broke in:

&laqno;I think the same thing, General. I think Llorente is right.»

Villa took us both in with a single glance:

&laqno;And why do you think that, my friend?»

&laqno;Llorente already explained it: because the men surrendered»

&laqno;And I'll repeat what I said: so WHAT?»

The WHAT was pronounced like a final and absolute interrogation. This last time, as he said it, he revealed a certain unease that led him to open his eyes even wider to wrap us in his now less focused gaze. From outside inwards I felt the weight of that cold and cruel stare, and from inside outwards I felt an impulse spurred on by the vision of remote mass executions. It was urgent that I come up with a sure and intelligible formula. I tried, explaining:

&laqno;When a man surrenders, General, he grants life to others by giving up his career of killing. And as a result, he who accepts the surrender is obliged not to kill him».