The weapons that had threatened Young Glory's life were at once lowered, but the men seemed to receive his statement with great suspicion. They conferred together hastily, still retaining their hold on the young hero's horse. At length the leader spoke. "We cannot decide this question. You may be an American sailor, or you may be a spy. That is for others to determine. You must come with us to the general." "Hurry, then, I beg. For, senors, a project I have in view for the benefit of your cause will fail if I am long delayed." They pushed through the woods, the patriots finding paths that Young Glory would have searched for in vain. Some half mile was traversed in this fashion, when a sentinel challenged. The answer was satisfactory, and on they went. Then past one picket after another they went, showing what faithful guard the patriots kept, until the order to halt was given, and Young Glory found himself near a large fire around which were a number of Cuban officers. "A prisoner, general!" said the leader of the party. "And a valuable one, too," was the answer, as the general glanced at Young Glory. "A captain at the very least. Has he been searched?" "No." "Do so. He may be a bearer of despatches." "It is needless to search me," said Young Glory, advancing slightly towards the general. "I am not what I seem. I am an American seaman. My name is Young Glory." CHAPTER V. AT VALMOSA--YOUNG GLORY DENOUNCED. This startling announcement caused a sensation. "Young Glory!" cried several of the officers. "Yes, that is my name." "Have you any proof?" said the general. "No." "Then we cannot let you proceed." Young Glory's face fell. Here he saw all his hopes dashed to the ground. He determined to make one more effort. "But if you stop me, a certain scheme against the Spaniards that I can carry through to success, will fail. I tell you it is so." "No matter. I have said before we do not know you, so we must detain you for inquiries." "Have you ever heard of Young Glory, general?" "That is a foolish question. His name is a household word." "Very well; I again repeat I am Young Glory." "And again I ask for proof." Suddenly an idea occurred to the boy. "Have you ever heard of Captain Ruiz Calderon?" "Yes. He's a distinguished officer in the Spanish army. What of it?" "I'm Captain Calderon, or rather," said Young Glory, with a laugh, "I'm supposed to be to-night." "How?" "I took him prisoner." "And released him?" "No. Made him change clothes with me, tied him securely, and left him in a cottage on a creek belonging to a fisherman." "I know the place!" cried one of the soldiers. "You did this?" asked the general, incredulously. "Certainly. It was necessary for the success of my plans. Send to the cottage, if it's possible to do so." "It can be done." "Very well. I entreat you to be quick, general. Much depends on it."