"They are easily found."
"Try it."
While speaking, the Colonel had mechanically taken a couple of steps into the room.
"I shall soon return," he said, as he laid his hand on the door latch.
The Jaguar only answered by a hoarse laugh. The door was closed, in vain did the Colonel try to open it; it resisted all his efforts.
"I am your prisoner, then?" he said, addressing the young man.
"Perhaps so; it will depend on yourself."
"You wish me to fall into the same snare into which the General and his officers probably fell before me. Try it, Señor; still I warn you that I am on my guard, and will defend myself."
"Your words are harsh, Colonel. You gratuitously insult a man of whom, up to the present, you have no cause to complain, and whom you will regret having attacked when you know him."
"Tell me the fate of my companions, and what your intentions are with regard to myself."