now that the purpose of yourself is to
reach Zalapata with the Senorita, after which I shall be at liberty to
return to Atlamalco. I shall, therefore, find him not far from where I
saw him a few hours ago."

"I beg to renew the assurances of my distinguished consideration,
Captain," said the American, saluting and passing back to the cabin.

The massive Dictator of the Zalapatan Republic was puffing and
striding to and fro over the short length of the cabin, the point of
his scabbard titillating against the floor, for his steps, though of
moderate length for an ordinary man, were long for a person of his
build. His face was redder than ever, and it was clear that he was
agitated over some great question that was wriggling through his
brain.

When he wheeled and faced the American, he whipped off his plumed hat
and sagged down upon the lounge at the side of the cabin. It creaked
but held.

"Pardon me, General, you seem disturbed in mind," remarked the young
officer, drawing up a stool and seating himself opposite.

"I _am_ disturbed, Major; nothing in all the world could have happened
to cause me greater regret."

"You refer to the affair of last night; I cannot see that you have any
concern with that."

"Captain Guzman was involved with you."

"If you are so afraid of offending General Yozarro, you can easily
disavow the act of your officer, though he deserves all praise for
what he did."

"Be assured that I shall disavow his crime in the strongest terms,
and, if General Yozarro demands it, the Captain shall be severely
punished."

"The other day, when you were talking with him and me, you were hot
for war against Atlamalco."

"True, but since then I have received a great light."

The amazed American waited to catch a ray himself, but it came not and
he said:

"I delivered your message to General Yozarro yesterday."

"And he received it graciously?"

"Most graciously; there was no hint about sending me back to you from
the muzzle of one of his cannon; he begged me to assure you he would
have your complaint investigated and would do his utmost to meet your
demands."

"What I might have expected from my noble compatriot!" exclaimed the
Dictator with greasy unctuosity; "I was sure of it."

"But you did not look for such magnanimity, when in council with
Captain Guzman and me. May I ask to what is due this marked change
of sentiment on your part?"

General Bambos lifted himself to his feet and swun