"That is a curious question," the officer continued, as he stepped forward with his hand on his sabre hilt; "first have this room lighted up, which looks like a cut-throat's den, and then we will talk." "It is not necessary for what we have to say to each other, you can leave your sabre at rest; although this house is dark, it is no cut-throat den, as you seem to believe." "What has become of General Rubio and the officers who accompanied him?" "Am I their keeper, Colonel Melendez?" the Jaguar asked in a sarcastic tone. "Who are you, who appear to know me and answer so strangely?" "Perhaps a friend, vexed at seeing you here, and who would be glad were you elsewhere." "A friend would not hide himself as you are doing." "Why not, if circumstances compel him?" "A truce to this exchange of puerile speeches; will you answer my question, yes or no?" "Which question?" "The one I asked you about the General." "Suppose I refuse?" "I shall know how to compel you." "That is haughty language, Colonel." "Which I shall support by deeds." "I do not think so: not that I doubt your courage, Heaven forbid, for I have long known it." "Well! What will prevent me?" "You have not the means to carry out your wishes." "They are easily found." "Try it." While speaking, the Colonel had mechanically taken a couple of steps into the room. "I shall soon return," he said, as he laid his hand on the door latch. The Jaguar only answered by a hoarse laugh. The door was closed, in vain did the Colonel try to open it; it resisted all his efforts. "I am your prisoner, then?" he said, addressing the young man. "Perhaps so; it will depend on yourself." "You wish me to fall into the same snare into which the General and his officers probably fell before me. Try it, Señor; still I warn you that I am on my guard, and will defend myself." "Your words are harsh, Colonel. You gratuitously insult a man of whom, up to the present, you have no cause to complain, and whom you will regret having attacked when you know him." "Tell me the fate of my companions, and what your intentions are with regard to myself." "My intentions are better than yours, Colonel; for, if you had me in your power, as I have you in mine, it is probable that your General, if not yourself, would make me pay dearly for the imprudence I have committed; but enough of this, we have lost too much time already. General Rubio and his officers are my prisoners, and you feel in your heart that I can do what I please with you; withdraw the soldiers who surround my house, pledge me your word of honour that no attempt shall be made on me by the Mexican Government for four-and-twenty hours, and I will immediately restore you all to liberty." "I know not who you are, Señor; the conditions you wish to impose on me are those a conqueror would offer to enemies reduced to impotence." "What else are you at this moment?" the young man interrupted violently.