osed of him according to
General Pando's order, and then conducted me to prison."
"For which reason I should think you would now want to kill me," said
the other, with a smile.
"We Americans are not in the habit of killing persons merely for
obedience to orders."
"You are an American, then?"
"Yes," admitted Ridge, "and I thought you knew I was one."
"I was not certain, nor was the General, though he was determined to be
on the safe side, and have you placed beyond a chance of making
mischief."
"So I understood," laughed Ridge, "and for that reason I came away
without waiting to say good-bye."
"Your escape raised an awful row," said the other, "and the General is
furious over it. Swears he will hang every man, woman, or child
connected with it if he discovers who aided you. Do you care to tell
me how it was effected?"
"No," was the prompt reply, "I do not."
"I didn't suppose you would. At the same time I am greatly interested
in it, especially as it caused me to be sent on my present mission.
General Pando feared that you might make the same attempt at Jiguani as
at Holguin. So I was ordered to get there first and have a reception
prepared for you. Now, having failed to carry out his instructions, I
do not know that I should dare present myself before him again, even if
you should set me free, which, of course, is something not to be hoped
for. What do you propose to do with me, anyway?"
"I don't know," replied Ridge, "but we will consider the situation
after supper, which I see is ready."
The simple meal of roasted yams, which in war time was the principal
article of food known to Cuban campaigners, was quickly eaten, and the
two young men, already regarding each other more as friends than
enemies, renewed their conversation.
"I am not anxious to resume my connection with General Pando's army in
any case," began Lieutenant Navarro, "since it is about to march
against your countrymen, whom I esteem highly."
"Why?" asked Ridge. "Were you ever in my country?"
"Yes, and quite recently. You see, I have some distant cousins of my
own name living in New Mexico, and only a year ago I paid them a visit.
I was so charmed with the country, and so cordially welcomed, that I
expressed a desire to remain with them and become a citizen of the
United States, They encouraged the idea, and offered me an interest in
a great ranch, where one of them, Maximilian by name, who is about my
own age, prop
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