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Page 42
The simple meal of roasted yams, which in war time was the principal
article of food known to Cuban campaigners, was quickly eaten, and the
two young men, already regarding each other more as friends than
enemies, renewed their conversation.
"I am not anxious to resume my connection with General Pando's army in
any case," began Lieutenant Navarro, "since it is about to march
against your countrymen, whom I esteem highly."
"Why?" asked Ridge. "Were you ever in my country?"
"Yes, and quite recently. You see, I have some distant cousins of my
own name living in New Mexico, and only a year ago I paid them a visit.
I was so charmed with the country, and so cordially welcomed, that I
expressed a desire to remain with them and become a citizen of the
United States, They encouraged the idea, and offered me an interest in
a great ranch, where one of them, Maximilian by name, who is about my
own age, proposed to become my partner. I accepted the offer, declared
my intention of becoming a citizen before the proper authorities, and
then returned to Spain to settle up my home affairs and procure money
for my new undertaking.
"Unfortunately I had not served out my full military term, and before I
could purchase exemption for the remaining time, there was a call for
more troops to quell this miserable insurrection, and I was ordered
with Blanco, the new Captain-General, to Cuba. Of course I don't mind
fighting Cubans, whom I detest; but I do object to fighting against
those whom I already consider as my adopted countrymen, especially as I
have recently learned that the cousin with whom I was to go into
business has joined the American army."
"Maximilian Navarro of New Mexico!" exclaimed Ridge. "Why, I know him
well. He is a captain in my own regiment, the First Volunteer
Cavalry--the Rough Riders, as we are called. I saw him only five days
ago, and hope soon to meet him again, before Santiago."
"Then are we friends rather than enemies!" cried the young Spaniard,
grasping the other's hand, "and I will go with you to meet my cousin."
"Would you go as a deserter?"
"No, but as a prisoner of war under your protection."
"Of course," replied Ridge, who had just gained an inspiration. "A
prisoner of war on parole, for you will give me your promise not to
serve against the United States unless exchanged, will you not?"
"Most willingly," replied the other.
"But," continued Ridge, "if I take you to your cousin, I want you first
to do me a favor."
"Gladly."
"And before I give you my whole confidence you must earn it."
"If it lies within my power, I will do so."
"Very good," said Ridge. "According to our laws, you are a citizen of
the United States from having filed your intention to become one.
Therefore, while not desiring you to fight against your native land, I
am going to ask you to prove your loyalty to your adopted country by
aiding my present mission."
"How may I do so?"
"By continuing your journey to Jiguani, delivering your despatches,
which, by-the-way, I have examined; procuring for me a Spanish uniform,
and meeting me two days later at Enramada. From there we will go
together into Santiago, where you shall introduce me as your friend.
Then will come my turn; for when the Americans land we will join them,
and I shall take pleasure in presenting you to my friends as my friend.
Will you undertake to do this?"
"Se�or Teniente, I will," answered the young Spaniard, "and there is my
hand on it. One thing, however, I must ask," he continued. "How will
you deliver me from the hate of yonder black devil by the fire? But
for you he would have taken my life long since, and when he discovers
that you do not intend to kill me, he will assuredly make an attempt to
do so."
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