As he assured himself of this, Ridge sat up, and was about to demand an explanation of the negro, when his question was checked by another sight still more amazing.
A human figure staring fixedly at him with glaring eyes was rigidly bound to the trunk of a near-by tree.

It was that of a young man in the uniform of a Spanish officer.

His face was covered with blood, upon which a swarm of flies had settled, and he was so securely fastened that he could not move hand nor foot.

He was also gagged so that he could make no sound beyond an inarticulate groan, which he uttered when he saw that Ridge was awake and looking at him.
With an exclamation of dismay the young American leaped from his hammock.

At the same moment Dionysio rose to his feet with a broad grin on his black face, and spoke for the first time since Ridge had made his acquaintance.
"Him Holguin Spaniard," he said, pointing to the prisoner.