“We shall camp here,” he said. “Here, also, you shall be tried for attacking Pedro.”
Dick made no reply, but Shirley did
“We are Americans,” she said, “and you don’t dare to interfere with us.”
“I don’t, eh?” was the reply. “You shall see.”
Pedro, it now appeared, had been revived and brought along. The general motioned for him to approach. He pointed to Dick and spoke in Spanish. It was impossible to tell what they were talking about, but all three were keen enough to know that it boded no good for them.
The general turned again to Dick.
“Pedro says you struck him without warning and without provocation,” he said. “I have decided, therefore, to dispense with the trial, and to fix your punishment myself.”
“I warn you——” began Dick.
“Caramba!” roared the leader, becoming very angry. “What do I care for your warnings, or for your friends either?”
“There is an American cruiser in the harbor,” said Dick quietly. “The commander knows where I am, and if I am not back within two hours, he will land a force of sailors to see why.”