e island is entirely accidental, therefor it is difficult to
reconcile this testimony with your refusal to answer the simple
questions of the court. In this I wish to say that your consul and
representative here concurs with me. I now warn you that you must
answer the questions that I am about to ask you or take the consequences
that your refusal will entail. Personally, I believe that you could, if
you would, clear yourself and your companion of all suspicion, and if
your explanation of your presence on board this mysterious steamer is
true, and I believe it is, your refusal to answer the questions will
only further complicate the case against you."

"The general is quite right, my boy," said the consul earnestly. "You
can see that he means to give you every opportunity to clear yourself."

"Very well, sir. Suppose you have another try," said Harry, turning to
General Serano. "I assure you that I will answer any question that I
honorably can."

"Very well: I repeat, what is the name of the steamer that brought you
to Cuba?"

"I cannot answer," replied Harry, promptly.

"Remember, I have warned you. At what place on the coast did you land?"

"I have told you, general, that I do not know."

"How far from here in miles?"

"I couldn't even guess that, general."

"How long had you been away from the steamer when my men found you?"

"I cannot answer."

"Do you mean that you are unable to answer, or that you refuse?"

"I refuse."

"Where were you going?"

"To tell the plain truth we were very well lost when your friend there
overtook us."

"But you had an objective point that you were trying to reach. What was
that?"

"I cannot answer."

"Very well; you may step aside."

After a few words from General Serano, the interpreter turned to Bert,
and said:

"Step forward, please. The general wishes to ask you a few questions
also."

"All right," answered Bert, stepping promptly to the front.

"You have heard the questions that have been asked your companion?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you have heard those that he refused to answer?"

"Yes, sir."

"Will you answer them?"

"No, sir."

The answer was apparently not unexpected. The general and the consul
began an earnest conversation in Spanish. The latter seemed to protest
against the decision of General Serano who, however, was set and
determined. Finally, Mr. Wyman turned to the boys.

"I am very sorry," he said, "that for some reason which I cannot