ps you would like to say that also to the General. But I will
save you the trouble; I will tell him myself that you refuse to do as
commanded."

Martella turned to move off, but the Captain caught his arm.

"No, no, no, Martella! You must not do that; you see the dilemma I am
in; if I make a mistake, it will cost me my life."

"It is with you whether you shall make a mistake or not; I have done
my duty."

He made again as if to go, but the officer would not permit it. The
moment had come for Martella to play his trump card. The two were
standing within hearing of several soldiers who, in accordance with
the loose discipline of the army, made no attempt to hide that they
were listening. Lowering his voice, the messenger said:

"Step aside one moment, Captain; I have something for your private
ear."

When they were beyond hearing of the group, the soldier spoke in a
guarded voice:

"Are you blind, Captain? Do you not see which way the wind blows?
General Yozarro does not wish his relative, Senorita Estacardo to come
to him, because she would be troublesome; you know of some of the
General's conquests among the other sex; he is in love with the
beautiful Senorita from the North, but she has friends and he must
protect every step. If he sent you a written order, it might return to
vex him, when the relatives of the Senorita call upon him to explain,
but what does he care for poor devils like us upon whom he will be
able to lay the blame of a misunderstanding? He will be able to swear
that it was all a blunder of others. I respectfully suggested that a
written order would be asked for by you, for you are an excellent
officer who insists that everything shall be done in the order of true
discipline. You know the temper of the General; he swore at me and
declared that if you dared hesitate, he would have you shot. Then he
cooled down and told me to explain if you asked questions. I have done
so, when in the case of another officer whom he esteemed less, the
favor would have been refused."

"You relieve me inexpressibly by your words, though I must look upon
it as strange that you come alone. I am curious to know what you will
say to _la Americana_, if she refuses to go with you, as she is almost
sure to do."

"Do you think the General has forgotten anything? Is he not too much
of a veteran in the affairs of the heart? I am to tell the Senorita
that her brother is waiting on the gunboat to receive her; she started