sit up and take
notice. Of course, also, I can't kill you in cold blood; nor can I
turn you over to the tender mercies of Dionysio, for that would amount
to exactly the same thing. I don't dare let you go, and I can't be
bothered with you as a prisoner; so what on earth I am to do with you
I'm sure I don't know. I almost wish you wouldn't wake up at all."

Just here, owing to Ridge's kindly ministrations, the cause of his
perplexity opened his eyes, looked the young American full in the face,
and smiled a faint smile in which recognition and gratitude were
equally blended.

CHAPTER XVI

ASLEEP WHILE ON GUARD

Of course there was no further thought of continuing the journey that
evening, for the Spanish officer was in no condition to travel, and our
young trooper was not one to desert even an enemy who was helpless and
in distress. So he informed Dionysio that they would remain where they
were until morning, and ordered him to make things as comfortable as
possible for the night.

"You no kill him?" asked the negro, who had regarded his companion's
actions of the past half hour with evident disfavor.

"Not to-night," replied Ridge. "I am going to save him until morning.
He will be stronger then, and in a better condition to afford us
entertainment. Besides, I want time to think out the best way of doing
it."

"To-morrow you kill him?" persisted the other.

"Perhaps. That is, if I have hit upon a good plan. 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, disp