the ragged Cubans who had escorted him to Holguin.

"General," said the officer, saluting, "I bring a Cuban deserter who
claims to have information of pressing importance that he will impart
to no one but yourself, so I have ventured to intrude; but if it is
your pleasure, I will remove him and seek to extort his secret."

"Oh no," replied the commander; "it is not worth the trouble. Let him
speak, and quickly, for I am pressed with business."

"I come, Excellenza," began the deserter, in a trembling voice, "with
the hope of clemency and a reward, to notify your Excellency that this
señor"--here he pointed to Ridge--"is not what he pretends. I was of a
band who captured him on the coast, and I overheard his confession to
our leader. From his own mouth, therefore, I learned that he is a spy,
and--"

"An American bearing false despatches," interrupted the General,
irritably. "You see I already know all that you would say. Remove
your prisoner, soldados." Then, in a lower tone to the officer, he
added: "Take him away and dispose of him. Such _canaille_ are as
troublesome as fleas. Immediately upon completing the job you may
return, as I have other business for you."

With a salute, the officer hurried after his men. At the same time del
Concha emerged from his place of concealment, and the General, turning
to Ridge, said:

"You have doubtless noted, señor, how quickly the information
concerning yourself brought by this gentleman is confirmed. Therefore