"You will be less impudent later on," he snarled, "when you learn what is in store for you. You've no idea, I presume."
"I understood that I was a prisoner of war," was the American's quiet answer. "And I understood that Spain considered itself a civilized nation."
The Spaniard laughed softly.
"A prisoner of war," he chuckled. "So you really expect to be treated as such—and after what you have done!"
"What have I done?" asked Clif.
Ignacio's eyes began to dance at that; for the officer turned toward him.
"This gentleman," said the officer, "is one of our trusted agents. And I have learned from him of your villainy."
Clif was not in the least surprised at that. It was just what he had looked for.
"I should be pleased to learn also, if I may, what has this trusted agent told you?"
As he said that, he turned toward the grinning Ignacio.