It is for this record of crime that I determined to spare no Spaniard who should come within my reach." "I am afraid," said Ridge, slowly, with a clear vision of his own dear home and its loved inmates in his mind, "that in your place I should act as you have acted." Although the city of Holguin lies only about twenty miles from the place where Ridge landed on the coast, the way to it was so obstructed, first by swamps and dense forests, and later by wooded hills and swollen streams, that evening shadows were closing in when Ridge and his ragged escort came within sight of its low roofs.

On the still air were borne to their ears at the same moment the clear notes of Spanish bugles sounding the "Retreat." Ridge had speculated much that day concerning his reception by the Spaniards, and as to how he should enter their lines.

Now del Concha proposed a plan that seemed feasible.
"Ride in at full speed," he said, "while I with my men will follow as though in hot pursuit close up to the lines.

Of course we will exchange shots, though both must carefully fire too high to do any damage.

Is it well?
Then adios, my friend, until we meet again." A few minutes later the newly posted Spanish guard was startled by the sound of shots, and then by the sight of a fugitive horseman speeding towards them, followed closely by a party of mounted insurgents who were firing at him.