st by one
of the crew.

The President of Zalapata, saluting and bowing low, conducted the
other dignitary to the cabin, with the officers trailing after
them. For the moment, Major Starland found his situation a trifle
embarrassing. General Yozarro scowled savagely at him, but the others
paid scant attention. There was some crowding, for it will be
remembered that the apartment was of slight size. The American waited
till a lull came in the conversation and then, with an elaborate
military salute, said:

"General Yozarro, I have the honor of returning to you the boat which
necessity compelled me to borrow last night."

The General had seated himself on the lounge, at the risk of suffering
the same mishap which had befallen his neighbor and still kept him
slyly rubbing the injured part. He was too overflowing with rage to
make any pretence to the courtesy which marked their previous chats.
His prodigious mustache bristled, his thick lips trembled and his
black eyes gleamed threateningly. He glared at the American, standing
among his own officers, who made what room they could for him in the
restricted space, and when he could command his tumultuous feelings,
he spoke:

"You come to surrender the boat! You surrender yourself also, _el
Americano_!"

"Well, hardly; I stayed aboard at the suggestion of my friend, General
Bambos, that this thing might be done in due and ancient form.
American citizens are not in the habit of surrendering at the demand
or whim of any South American nobody."

Removing his hat, the Major bowed low and smiled.

"Does he speak the truth?" bluntly asked General Yozarro, turning to
Bambos. The face of the American flushed at the slur, but he held
himself in hand.

"He does; he remained at my request," said General Bambos with a nod.

"There were others who took part in this crime; one of them was
Captain Guzman of your staff, General."

"I need not assure you, General, that it was without my knowledge; I
disavow what he did and will reprimand him; if Your Excellency demands
it, I will have him shot."

"Not much!" muttered Major Starland, loud enough for all to hear; "is
that the way you reward one of your bravest officers, General Bambos?"

"I rule in Zalapata without the aid of _los Americanos_," was the
freezing reply.

"And without the aid of common gratitude and decency,--_that_ is
evident."

"I will take the matter into consideration," said General Yozarro,
whose brain was