"Be it so; but I cannot take it on myself to accept or decline these conditions, as the General alone has the right to form a determination and pledge his word." "Then, ask himself what his intentions are, and he will answer you." "Is he here, then?" the Colonel exclaimed eagerly, as he moved a step forward. "It is of little consequence to you where he is, provided he hear and answer you; do not stir from where you are; one step further, and you are a dead man; what is your resolve?" "I accept." "In that case speak to him." The Jaguar worked the spring that opened the trap, and displayed the entrance of the vault into which the Mexican officers had been so suddenly hurled; but the darkness was so intense, that the Colonel could perceive nothing, in spite of his efforts to try and distinguish a gleam; he merely heard a slight sound produced by the grating of the trap in its groove. The Colonel understood that he must get out of the difficulty as well as he could. "General," he said raising his voice, "can you hear me?" "Who speaks?" the General answered immediately. "I, Colonel Melendez de Gongora." "Heaven be praised!" the General shouted; "in that case all goes well." "On the contrary, all goes ill." "What do you mean?" "That, like yourself, I am in the hands of the accursed insurgents who have captured you." "Mil Demonios!" the old soldier shouted angrily. "Are you all right?" "Bodily, yes; my officers and myself have received no wounds; I must confess that the demon who played us this trick was so far civil." "Thanks, General," the Jaguar said in a tone of mockery. "Ah, Salteador," the General exclaimed in a rage; "I swear by Heaven that we shall settle our accounts some day." "I hope so too, General; but for the present, believe me, you had better listen to what Colonel Melendez has to say to you." "I suppose I must," the Governor muttered. "Speak, Colonel," he added aloud. "General, we are offered our liberty on condition," the Colonel immediately replied, "that we pledge our word of honour to attempt nothing against the man whose prisoner we are." "Or against his adherents, whoever they may be," the Jaguar interrupted. "Be it so, or against his adherents, during the next twenty-four hours, and that the house shall be left free." "Hum:" said the General, "that requires reflection." "I give you five minutes." "Demonios! That is very short; you are not at all generous." "It is impossible for me to grant a longer period." "And suppose I refuse?" "You will not do so," "For what reason?" "Because you are furious with me, and hope to avenge yourself some day." "Excellently reasoned; but supposing I _do_ refuse?" "In that case, I will treat you and yours exactly as you intended to treat me and mine." "That is to say?" "You will be all shot within a quarter of an hour."