Are you Cubano or a Spaniard ?" "And I will ask if you are American or Spaniard ?" "But my question came first," insisted Ridge.
"While I am in a position to have mine answered," replied the other, again smiling.

"But I will not press it at this moment.

We will first seek a place better suited to conversation, since here we are liable to be interrupted.

The American gunboats have an unpleasant habit of dropping shells among any party whom they may discover on the beach.
Then, too, many Cubanos have been seen about here lately, and they might molest us, while it is also nearly time for the Spanish _lancha_ that patrols this coast at sunrise and sunset.

So you see-- Disarm him!" This last was an order to two men who had moved noiselessly up behind Ridge while his attention was diverted by their leader.