"On my word," the American answered, "I do not know. He's a scamp I found in the tall grass, who looks to me precious like a spy."
"Ah, ah!" the Jaguar said with an ugly smile, "His business will soon be settled: have him shot."
The prisoner started, and his face assumed an earthy hue.
"One moment, Caballeros," he exclaimed, while struggling in the utmost terror with the men who had already seized him—"one moment; I am not what you suppose."
"Nonsense," the Jaguar said with a grin, "you are a Mexican, and that is sufficient."
"I am," the prisoner exclaimed, "Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President of the Mexican Republic."
"What?" the Jaguar exclaimed in amazement, "You are Santa Anna."
"Alas! Yes," the President answered, piteously, for it was really he.
"What were you doing concealed in the grass?"
"I was trying to fly."