At the same time del Concha emerged from his place of concealment, and the General, turning to Ridge, said: "You have doubtless noted, senor, how quickly the information concerning yourself brought by this gentleman is confirmed.

Therefore you will not be surprised to have me order you into confinement until your case can be reported to Havana"-- at this moment came the startling sound of a volley of musketry, evidently fired close at hand--"and a decision concerning it received from the Captain-General," concluded the speaker, paying no heed to the firing.
As Ridge was about to utter a protest, the officer who had left the room a minute before, re-entered it, saluted with stiff precision, and stood awaiting orders.
"Lieutenant Navarro," said the General, "you will remove this gentleman, who is charged with being an American spy, and bid the officer in charge of the guard-house hold him in closest custody until he receives further instructions.

Adios, Senor Remelios.

May your night's rest be peaceful." Perceiving that resistance or protest would be useless, Ridge passively allowed himself to be led away.

A file of soldiers stood outside, and, surrounded by these, he was marched to the guardhouse, where, after being searched and relieved of everything contained by his pockets, he was led into a bare, cell-like room.
A wooden stool and a heap of filthy straw in one corner constituted its sole furnishing.