|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 41
ASLEEP WHILE ON GUARD
Of course there was no further thought of continuing the journey that
evening, for the Spanish officer was in no condition to travel, and our
young trooper was not one to desert even an enemy who was helpless and
in distress. So he informed Dionysio that they would remain where they
were until morning, and ordered him to make things as comfortable as
possible for the night.
"You no kill him?" asked the negro, who had regarded his companion's
actions of the past half hour with evident disfavor.
"Not to-night," replied Ridge. "I am going to save him until morning.
He will be stronger then, and in a better condition to afford us
entertainment. Besides, I want time to think out the best way of doing
it."
"To-morrow you kill him?" persisted the other.
"Perhaps. That is, if I have hit upon a good plan. Something novel
and interesting, you know."
"You no kill him, me kill him," muttered Dionysio, as he sullenly began
to make preparations for the night.
The remark, though not intended for the young American, still reached
his ears and caused him a feeling of uneasiness.
"I believe you would, you black devil," he said to himself, "but you
sha'n't commit your cowardly murder if I can help it." Then he again
turned his attention to the prisoner, who was by this time sitting up
and regarding his captors curiously.
"Are you going to kill me?" he asked, as Ridge rejoined him.
"No, of course not. What put such an idea into your head?"
"Because it so often happens that undesirable prisoners are disposed of
in that way. You know I was ordered to have one shot only last night
at just about this hour."
"Was it last night?" murmured Ridge. "It seems a month ago." Then he
added, aloud, "Yes, I know, for I recognize you as Lieutenant Navarro,
the officer who brought in the deserter, disposed of him according to
General Pando's order, and then conducted me to prison."
"For which reason I should think you would now want to kill me," said
the other, with a smile.
"We Americans are not in the habit of killing persons merely for
obedience to orders."
"You are an American, then?"
"Yes," admitted Ridge, "and I thought you knew I was one."
"I was not certain, nor was the General, though he was determined to be
on the safe side, and have you placed beyond a chance of making
mischief."
"So I understood," laughed Ridge, "and for that reason I came away
without waiting to say good-bye."
"Your escape raised an awful row," said the other, "and the General is
furious over it. Swears he will hang every man, woman, or child
connected with it if he discovers who aided you. Do you care to tell
me how it was effected?"
"No," was the prompt reply, "I do not."
"I didn't suppose you would. At the same time I am greatly interested
in it, especially as it caused me to be sent on my present mission.
General Pando feared that you might make the same attempt at Jiguani as
at Holguin. So I was ordered to get there first and have a reception
prepared for you. Now, having failed to carry out his instructions, I
do not know that I should dare present myself before him again, even if
you should set me free, which, of course, is something not to be hoped
for. What do you propose to do with me, anyway?"
"I don't know," replied Ridge, "but we will consider the situation
after supper, which I see is ready."
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|