He was evidently disappointed that they and their belongings could not be seized as prizes of war, and manifested this by the envious glances that he cast at Señorita as well as upon the weapons that Ridge was drying and cleaning. Especially was the young trooper's rifle an object of longing admiration, and, after a critical examination, the captain even went so far as to offer to buy it; but Ridge refused to part with the gun, whereupon the man turned sulky, and declined to hold further intercourse with him.
After a while the whole party again took the road, Lieutenant Navarro riding a spare horse that he had "requisitioned" from the guerilla leader. The latter rode with his guests at the head of the advance-guard, and Ridge noticed that, as two scouts were still in front of them, while others of the guerillas rode on either side, they were completely surrounded, and practically prisoners. He suggested as much to his companion, but the latter only smiled, and said:
"What matters it, so long as we are safely escorted to Jiguani?"
"But I don't want to go there."
"True. I had forgotten. You wish to proceed to Enramada, where I am to join you."
"Yes, on the second day from now."
"With only slight delay we might travel together."
"I have reasons for preferring to go alone."
"You will be in danger from the Cubans."
"Ask your guerilla captain if he thinks so."