"Rayo de Dios! I am certain of it, though it is possible that Fray Antonio leaped his horse over my body, for I lay for several hours senseless on the battlefield."
"That is all right, then."
"Thanks; but what are you doing there?"
"As you see, I am on guard."
"Yes, but why are you so? Are there more of you inside?"
"There are about a dozen of us."
"All the better; and who are your comrades?"
The American looked at him for some moments fixedly, and then took his hand, which he squeezed.
"My friend," he said with emotion, "thank heaven, for it has shown you a great mercy this day."
"What do you mean?" the young man exclaimed, anxiously.