At sunset all the preliminary preparations were finished, and the rancho rendered safe against a coup de main. About seven in the evening the General, after listening to the report of the spies, was sitting in front of the house in the shadow of a magnificent magnolia, whose graceful branches crossed above his head. He was smoking a papillo, while conversing with several of his officers, when an aide-de-camp came up and told him that the person who had come to him that morning from the rebels, earnestly requested the favour of a few minutes' conversation. The General gave an angry start, and was about to refuse, when Colonel Melendez interposed, representing to the General that he could not do so without breaking his word, which he had himself pledged in the morning. "As it is so," the General said, "let him come." "Why," the Colonel continued, "refuse to listen to the propositions this man is authorized to offer you?" "What good is it at this moment? There is always a time to do so if circumstances compel it. Now our situation is excellent; we have not to accept proposals, but, on the contrary, are in a position to impose those that may suit us." These words were uttered in a tone that compelled the Colonel to silence; he bowed respectfully, and withdrew softly from the circle of officers. At the same moment John Davis arrived, led by the aide-de-camp. The American's face was gloomy and frowning; he saluted the General by raising his hand to his hat, but did not remove it; then he drew himself up haughtily and crossed his hands on his chest. The General regarded him for a moment with repressed curiosity. "What do you want?" he asked him. "The fulfilment of your promise," Davis replied drily. "I do not understand you." "What do you say? When you made me a prisoner this morning, in contempt of the military code and the laws of nations, did you not tell me that so soon as we reached the mainland, the liberty you had deprived me of by an unworthy abuse of strength, would be immediately restored to me?" "I did say so," the General answered meekly. "Well, I demand the fulfilment of that promise; I ought to have left your camp long ago." "Did you not tell me that you were deputed to me by the rebel army, in order to submit certain propositions?" "Yes, but you refused to hear me." "Because the moment was not favourable for such a communication. Imperious duties prevented me then giving your words all the attention that they doubtless deserve." "Well, and now?" "Now I am ready to listen to you." The American looked at the officers that surrounded him. "Before all these persons?" he asked. "Why not? These Caballeros belong to the staff of my army, they are as interested as I am in this interview." "Perhaps so: still, I would observe, General, that it would be better for our discussion to be private." "I am the sole judge, Señor, of the propriety of my actions. If it please you to be silent, be so; if not, speak, I am listening."