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.