"What do you mean by that remark, Caballero?" the General asked, with a frown. "What do you mean by yours, Señor Governor? I consider that all means are good to escape an arbitrary arrest, and that I shall employ them without the slightest hesitation." "Try it," the officer said, ironically, "When the moment for action arrives, I shall not wait for your permission to do so, General," the Jaguar replied, with equal sarcasm. Although this was the first time General Rubio and the Jaguar had met, the Governor of Galveston had long been acquainted with the reputation of the man with whom he had to deal; he knew how fertile in resources his mind was, and the audacious temerity that formed the basis of his character; personally he owed him a grudge for carrying off the conducta de plata, and capturing the Larch-tree, hence he entertained a lively desire to take an exemplary revenge on his bold adventurer. The tone in which the Jaguar uttered the last words caused the General a moment's anxiety; but after taking a glance round him, he was reassured. In fact, owing to the precautions taken by the old soldier, it seemed materially impossible that his prisoner could escape, for he was alone, unarmed, in a house surrounded by soldiers, and watched by several resolute officers; he, therefore, regarded his answer as bravado, and took no further notice of it. "I absolve you beforehand," he said disdainfully, "for any efforts you may make to escape." "I thank you, General," the Jaguar answered, with a ceremonious bow. "I expected nothing else from your courtesy; I make a note of your promise." "Be it so. Now, with your permission we are about to commence our domiciliary visit." "Do so, General, pray do so; if you desire it, I will myself act as your guide." "In my turn I thank you for this obliging offer, but I do not wish to put your kindness to a trial; the more so, as I am thoroughly acquainted with this house." "Do you think so, General?" "Judge for yourself." The Jaguar bowed without replying, and carelessly leant his elbow on the couch upon which the clock stood. "We will first begin with this saloon," the General continued. "You mean that you will finish with it," the young man remarked, with an ironical smile. "Let us look first at the secret door in that wall." "What! You know it then?" "It seems so." "Hang it all! You are better informed than I supposed." "You do not know all yet." "I hope so; judging from the commencement, I expect some extraordinary discoveries." "Perhaps so. Will you make the spring work yourself, Caballero, or would you prefer my doing it?" "On my word, General, I confess that all this interests me so hugely that, until fresh orders, I desire to remain a simple spectator, in order not to trouble my pleasure."