am not here for
that purpose. There are others who will undoubtedly attend to that
later. Now, all that I require of you is that you sit down at that table
and write me a pass that will take me and my friends through your
lines."

"Never, sir. I will call the outside guard," and the general made a leap
for the door.

"The night is warm, general. Don't over-exert yourself. The door is
locked and the key is in my pocket, and besides, if I should let you out
you would only fall into the hands of more of my men. Your outside guard
is also bound and gagged, and reclining against the wall of the jail in
the shadow. The sentinels you saw on patrol when you approached the jail
are my men. You see, there is no escape."

"But the uniforms--they are Spain's."

"Yes, they belonged to unfortunate men who fell fighting for your cause.
We Cubans have quite a stock of them on hand. I think you said you would
write that pass."

"No, sir, never," roared the general, with a rattling Spanish oath.

"Very well, then I am sure you will pardon a few liberties."

O'Connor turned to the waiting men and said: "Remove the general's
uniform."

"What is the meaning of this new outrage?" gasped Serano, backing into
his corner again as O'Connor's men started to execute his order.

"Your uniform will serve as a passport if you refuse to write the pass,"
said O'Connor laughing.

"I'll write the pass," said the general quickly, and O'Connor motioned
back his men. "My uniform shall never be so disgraced."

"Suit yourself, general--uniform or pass--it's all the same to me. There
is pen and ink."

Serano sat down and with ill grace wrote something on a piece of paper
which he handed to O'Connor. The latter read it and handed it back, with
a shake of his head.

"You will have to try again, general," he said. "Now write as I
dictate."

"Never, sir."

"Your nevers come trippingly on the tongue, general. Boys, the general's
uniform, please."

"No, no, I'll write it."

"Very well, but please to remember that I have no time for elocutionary
exercises. One more never and off comes that uniform. I'll give you just
three minutes to write this: 'Pass Captain O'Connor and his party
through all Spanish lines and outposts.' That's right; now sign it."

Reluctantly Serano affixed his signature.

"Thank you," said O'Connor, with mock respect, as he took the paper.
"Now there is just one more little favor that I feel sure you will be
pleased to