The four prisoners were the only able-bodied Mexicans left on the roof.
"Pardon, but shall we have time for our prayers ?" asked one of the surrendered Mexicans, approaching Lieutenant Trent.
"Time for your prayers ?" Trout repeated.

"Take all the time you want." "But when do you shoot us ?" persisted the fellow, humbly.
"Shoot you ?" repeated Trent, in amazement, speaking rapidly in the Spanish he had acquired at Annapolis and practiced in many a South American port.

Then it dawned upon this American officer that, in the fighting between Mexican regulars and rebels it had been always the custom of the victors to execute the survivors of the vanquished foe.
"My poor fellow," ejaculated Trent, "we Americans always pride ourselves on our civilization.

We don't shoot prisoners of war.
You will be treated humanely, and we shall exchange you with your government." "What did that chap say ?" Dalzell demanded, in an undertone, as Darrin laughed.
"The Mexican said," Dave explained, "that he hoped he wouldn't be exchanged until the war is over." "There is a hospital detachment signaling from down the street, sir," reported a seaman from the edge of the roof.
Trent stepped quickly over to where he could get a view of the hospital party.

Then he signaled to the hospital men, four in number, carrying stretchers, and commanded by a petty officer, that they were to advance.
"Any of our men need attention, sir ?" asked the petty officer, as he reached the roof.
"Two of our men," Trent replied.