178 Ten Years of miy Life. 



tion that Porfirio Diaz would^give in writing his word of honour 

 that he would guarantee the life of the Emperor and the for- 

 eign troops, if they should become prisoners. 



It seemed to me absurd to go to Porfirio Diaz without any 

 proof that I was really deputed by the foreign troops. I there- 

 fore requested Baron Magnus to give me at least a few lines. 

 This he declined also to do, but told me that he knew another 

 way which would answer the purpose just as well. 



There lived, he said, in Mexico, a iSIadame Baz, v/hose hus- 

 band was a Liberal General on the staft of Porfirio Diaz, and 

 who, if the city should be taken, would become its governor. 

 This lady was always in communication with the enemy, and 

 acted in fact as their spy. She might be used in this afi'air 

 and inform her husband that I should come as the deputy of 

 the minister and the colonels. 



Baron Magnus and I drove to Madame Baz, and took with 

 us Mr. SchoUer, the chancellor of the minister, who spoke 

 Spanish perfectly well, and could explain everything to that 

 lady without creating mistakes and misunderstandings. 



Madame Baz was a very clever woman, and Irequently used 

 to carry on difficult negotiations. At the time when the French 

 were still in Mexico, she was frequently in the camp of the 

 enemy in all kinds of disguises. Her inlormation was always 

 so correct and so well-timed, that the Liberals gave her the 

 name of their 'Guardian Angel.' She was about thirty years 

 of age, medium height, and slender build; her face was thin^ 

 her forehead broad, her eyes dark, and her whole countenance 

 beaming with intelligence and energy. 



When the above mentioned propositions were stated to her 

 Baron Magnus declared that he would defray any expenses for 

 travelling, or escort, or other purposes, to any amount. 



Madame Baz told me that she would accompany me herself 

 to Porfirio Diaz, and endeavour to persuade him to accept the 

 stated propositions, but she could not go until next day, as 

 she had to wait for news from her husband. 



I had promised to Colonel Leon to return and let him know 

 the opinion of the foreign officers, and was afraid if I stayed 

 too long in the city he might become suspicious about me. I 

 therefore again left Mexico, and went to Gaza San Jago Col- 

 orado, where I met Colonel Leon, He told me that he had 

 seen Porfirio Diaz, and informed him of my plans. The Gen- 



