"I am ready," she said.
And without another word the officer turned and led the way out of the cell.
He shut the door and locked it behind him and then went on down the corridor.
Clif was mystified beyond expression, but he asked no questions. The three went on silently. Bessie Stuart was so weak that she had to be half carried.
They had gone but a short way down the long passage before they met a sentry with a gun upon his shoulder; he glanced at them inquiringly.
But the lieutenant was not one who could be asked for explanations, and the soldier saluted and passed on.
They passed through two heavily grated doors, each guarded in a similar way. But still not a word was spoken.
And then suddenly Clif saw the passage broaden out into a wide hall, and a moment later he came to what he knew to be the great door by which he had first entered.
There were two men standing on guard there, either sentries or jailers. Clif could not see which. The party came to a halt.
"Garcia," said the lieutenant, "these are two prisoners, Americans, whom I have been directed to take across the bay."