shot; some were nearly asleep, others had scarcely strength to sit
upright. Very little grass had grown under their feet. As soon as
they were dismissed, the citizens pounced on them, taking them into the
houses, where food and drink were provided in abundance.

The governor had come out to meet the colonel, whom I expected to see
return with him; but at the last moment he turned aside, and with a
laughing exclamation went straight to his own quarters, whither I
followed him.

"Hullo, Crawford!" cried he. "So you didn't get La Hera?"

"No, sir; but we captured a major, and I wish to speak to you about
him."

"Won't it wait?" he asked, with a comical expression.

"I am afraid not, sir. The truth is, we've had a quarrel with the
governor, and--"

"You want to get in your version first! A very good plan. Well, fire
away, but don't make it long; I've a lot of things on hand."

By this time we had entered his room, and going straight to the heart
of the affair, I told my story in the fewest possible words. The
colonel listened with rather a grave face, and when I had finished he
said, "It's an awkward mess, especially just now. It's absolutely
necessary to keep friends with the governor, and I don't like this
tampering with the troops. But, of course, I won't have the prisoner
put in irons or treated differently from the rest. Bring him here now,
and I'll settle the matter at once."

"Yes, sir," said I, thankful to get off so lightly.

The colonel had already begun some fresh work when I returned with Jose
and the major, but he rose from his seat and saluted the Spaniard
courteously.

"I understand it is useless to ask for your parole, major," he said.
"Your mind is quite made up on the point?"

"Yes, sir," answered Santiago, smiling in his easy, graceful way. "An
opportunity to escape may not arise but if it does, I shall certainly
seize it."

"Quite right!" exclaimed the colonel; "but I fear you will be
disappointed. However, though guarding you rigidly, we shall put you
to as little inconvenience as possible. You will find half a dozen
companions in misfortune in the prison. Most of the captured rank and
file have joined the Patriots."

The major's lip curled scornfully, but he only said, "I am obliged to
you, colonel, for your kindness. Some day perhaps I may be able to
return it."

"Not in the same way, I hope," laughed Colonel Miller. "I have had a
taste of Spanish prison life already