A swarm of Spanish scouts watched these operations from the hill-tops, and at short intervals during the day reported the enemy's movements to General Linares; but of them all none was so active as Ridge and his companion. From earliest dawn until dark they scoured the country lying adjacent to the coast, gaining a complete knowledge of its so-called roads, which were but the roughest of trails, only intended for saddle or pack animals, and of its defences. They also made such full reports to headquarters of everything that was going on as to completely win the confidence of the Spanish commander. Consequently he was not prepared to accept, without further proof, the abrupt statement made by a major of his staff, that one of his favorite scouts was an American, and probably a spy. It was the second day after the arrival of the transports. The two officers were alone in the room occupied by General Linares as an office, and from it Ridge had just departed after making a report to the effect that he had not yet seen anything indicating the selection of a landing-place on the part of the enemy. "What makes you think him an American?" asked the General. "Because," replied the Major, "I have recognized him. His face was familiar from the first, and when I saw him ride I knew that I had also seen him ride before, but could not tell where. Only now has it come to me, and I know that in Yokohama I saw him within a year win the great hurdle-race of the English and American residents." "Even that would not make him an American." "It was everywhere proclaimed that he was such." "Are you certain that this is the same man?" "I am certain. I now also recall his name. It was Norreese--the Senor Norreese." "But he was introduced by Lieutenant Navarro, who is known to every one, and whose loyalty is beyond question." "Did Lieutenant Navarro know him in Spain?" "I will ask him." So an orderly was despatched to request Lieutenant Navarro to report immediately at headquarters. The two friends were eating a hasty lunch when this message reached them, and Ridge had just announced his intention to start for Daiquiri as soon as it was finished. He alone knew that the American landing would be made there, and he wished to be on hand when it was effected. Navarro had arranged to go with him, and both were impatient of the delay promised by the General's order. "It is too bad!" exclaimed Ridge; "for we ought to be there now, since they may already be landing. I hope the General doesn't want to send us off in some other direction." "For fear that he may," said the other, "you had better start at once towards Daiquiri, and I will follow the moment I am at liberty to do so." "That's good advice," repeated Ridge, "and I will do as you suggest."