Over a building on a hill-side opposite to where Ridge stood, which he remembered as headquarters of the Spanish Commandant, floated an American flag, evidently just raised, and from that quarter also came the inspiring music that had so quickened his pulses.
Ten minutes later he stood before that very building, having passed through the American lines unquestioned, though stared at curiously by those who noticed him at all.

He wore the first Spanish uniform they had ever seen, and, not recognizing it, they took him for a Cuban officer, several of whom had already visited the camp.

So the young American, looking in vain for a familiar face among the thousand or so of his busy countrymen, made his way to headquarters, where, for the first time, a sentry halted him and demanded his business.

While he was thus detained an officer issued from the building, mounted a horse, and was about to ride away when Ridge sprang forward, calling: "General! General Lawton!" The officer halted, looked keenly at the sun-browned young man in Spanish uniform, and, almost without hesitation, said: "You are Sergeant Norris of the Rough Riders, I believe ?" "Yes, sir," replied Ridge, saluting, and overjoyed at being recognized.
"I looked for you at Daiquiri," continued the General, "and hope you can give good reason for not reporting there as ordered." "I believe I can, sir." "Then come in with me and give it to Major-General Wheeler, who is at present in command." Within half an hour the young scout had been complimented by both Generals on the success of his recent undertaking, and had furnished them with information of the utmost value concerning the obstacles to be encountered between Siboney and Santiago.

The first of these he stated would be found at Las Guasimas, where the two trails from Siboney to Sevilla on the Santiago road formed a junction some three miles inland.