May I ask you what this means ?" Tom was not deceived by this by-play.

He snorted mildly while the young army lieutenant explained why he had detained the engineers.
"But these gentlemen are friends and employes," Don Luis explained.
"What they tell you about Gato is quite true.

Will you oblige me by releasing these gentlemen, Lieutenant." The young officer seemed to hesitate.
"It's all a part of the comedy," whispered Tom, and Harry nodded.
"I--I will let these Americanos go, for the present, Don Luis," suggested the lieutenant, "provided you will take them back to your estate, and agree to be responsible for them if they are wanted.
"Thank you very much, Lieutenant.

I will readily undertake that," agreed Montez, smiling.

"Then come, Senores Reade and Hazelton, and I will interrupt my journey to take you back to safety under a hospitable roof." "I don't know that I wouldn't rather go with the soldiers," Harry muttered to his chum.
"No!" murmured Reade.