“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, señor. Let it be as you say. Your friend, Señor 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 had not happened to mention the fact to his friend could be accounted for by reason of the fact that the duties of the office at that place were few and unimportant. “We are waiting, señor. If you will tell us where we may send?” hinted Megales. “I do not know any more than you do, if he is not at home.” The governor’s eyes glittered. “Take care, señor. Better sharpen your memory.” “It’s pretty hard to remember what one never knew,” retorted the prisoner. The Mexican tyrant brought his clinched fist slowly down on the table in front of him. “It is necessary to remember, sir. It is necessary to answer a few questions. If you answer them to our satisfaction you may yet save your life.” “Indeed!” Bucky swept his fat bulk scornfully from head to foot. “If I were what you think me, do you suppose I would betray my friends?” “You have no option, sir. Answer my questions, or die like a dog.” “You mean that you would not think you had any option if you were in my place, but since I’m a clean white man there’s an option. By God! sir, it doesn’t take me a whole lot of time to make it, either. I’ll see you rot in hell before I’ll play Judas.” The words rang like a bell through the room, not loud, but clear and vibrant. There was a long instant’s silence after the American finished speaking, and as his eyes swept from one to another of the enemy Bucky met with a surprise. On Colonel Onate’s face was a haggard look of fear—surely it was fear—that lifted in relief at the young man’s brave challenge. He had been dreading something, and the dread was lifted. Onate! Onate! The ranger’s memory searched the past few days to locate the name. Had O’Halloran mentioned it? Was this man one of the officers expected to join the opposition when it declared itself against Megales? He had a vague recollection of the name, and he could have heard it only through his friend.