The remark, though not intended for the young American, still reached his ears and caused him a feeling of uneasiness. "I believe you would, you black devil," he said to himself, "but you sha'n't commit your cowardly murder if I can help it." Then he again turned his attention to the prisoner, who was by this time sitting up and regarding his captors curiously. "Are you going to kill me?" he asked, as Ridge rejoined him. "No, of course not. What put such an idea into your head?" "Because it so often happens that undesirable prisoners are disposed of in that way. You know I was ordered to have one shot only last night at just about this hour." "Was it last night?" murmured Ridge. "It seems a month ago." Then he added, aloud, "Yes, I know, for I recognize you as Lieutenant Navarro, the officer who brought in the deserter, disposed 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?"