DENOUNCED BY A FRIEND Under the circumstances, Ridge felt that a frank avowal of his personality and present plans would be wiser than any attempt at deception, and this he proceeded to make.

To all that he had to tell the bandit leader paid closest attention, and listened without a word of interruption until the narrative was finished.

Then he said: "It is indeed great news that the Americans are about to invade Cuba.
Until now they have promised much and done worse than nothing, since, by their blockade of Cuban ports, they have only starved to death thousands of miserable reconcentrados.

Now if they will proceed with judgment and are not swept off by fevers, something may be accomplished.

At the same time, from the ignorance displayed in sending on so important a mission as yours one so ill equipped for it, I cannot hope for much from them." Ridge flushed hotly.