that it must have been plain to the
veriest novice he was no fit judge of the case.

But Bucky knew as well as the judges that his trial was a merely
perfunctory formality. The verdict was decided ere it began, and,
indeed, so eager was Megales to get the farce over with that several
times he interrupted the proceedings to urge haste.

It took them just fifteen minutes from the time the young American was
brought into the room to find him guilty of treason and to decide upon
immediate execution as the fitting punishment.

General Carlo turned to the prisoner. "Have you anything to say before I
pronounce sentence of death upon you?"

"I have," answered Bucky, looking him straight in the eyes. "I am an
American, and I demand the rights of a citizen of the United States."

"An American?" Incredulously Megales lifted his eyebrows. "You are a
Spanish gypsy, my friend."

The ranger was fairly caught in his own trap. He had donned the gypsy
masquerade because he did not want to be taken for what he was, and he
had succeeded only too well. He had played into their hands. They would,
of course, claim, in the event of trouble with the United States, that
they had supposed him to be what his costume proclaimed him, and they
would be able to make good their pretense with a very decent appearance
of candor. What an idiot of sorts he had been!

"We understand each other perfectly, governor. I know and you know
that I am an American. As a citizen of the United States I claim the
protection of that flag. I demand that you will send immediately for the
United States consul to this city."

Megales leaned forward with a thin, cruel smile on his face. "Very
well, senor. Let it be as you say. Your friend, Senor O'Halloran, is the
United States consul. I shall be very glad to send for him if you can
tell me where to find him. Having business with him to-day, I have
despatched messengers who have been unable to find him at home. But
since you know where he is, and are in need of him, perhaps you can
assist me with information of value."

Again Bucky was fairly caught. He had no reason to doubt that the
governor spoke truth in saying that O'Halloran was the United States
consul. There were in the city as permanent residents not more than
three or four citizens of the United States. With the political instinct
of the Irish, it would be very characteristic of O'Halloran to work his
"pull" to secure for himself the appointment. That he