In order to entertain them, the resident officers proposed various trips to places of near-by interest, such as the fortifications, the barracks where Lieutenant Hobson of the American navy was confined, the Morro, from which a view of the blockading squadron could be had, or to the Spanish war-ships lying in the harbor, the last of which was accepted for that morning.
As soon, therefore, as breakfast was over, the new-comers were escorted to the water-front, where lay several steam-launches.

As they reached the landing-place a fine-looking man, white bearded, with twinkling eyes and kindly features, drove up in a carriage, and alighting with springy step, was instantly saluted by every officer present.

He acknowledged the courtesy by lifting his hat and speaking to several of them, whom he called by name.

Emboldened by his kindness, these ventured to present the new arrivals and mention their desire to visit the Spanish ships; whereupon Admiral Cervera, bravest and most chivalrous of Spain's commanders, promptly invited them to accompany him to the flag-ship.
As they steamed down the bay in the superbly appointed launch flying an Admiral's flag and manned by a picked crew in snowy duck, Ridge sat silent, in a very confused frame of mind, and paying scant attention to the gay conversation carried on by the other members of the party.

He had been overcome by the courtesy of his reception in Santiago, and was feeling keenly the meanness of his position.
"I'll be shot for disobedience of orders before I ever again undertake to act the low-down part of a spy," he reflected, bitterly.