The mixed party of sailors and natives walked briskly through the silent streets. The carriage drawn by two fast horses was reached, and Maria, her father, and Martinez entered, while Lopez mounted the box and drove slowly forward followed by the Americans on foot.
A loud American challenge suddenly brought the horses on their haunches.
“Halt! Who comes there?”
“Officer,” answered Phil.
“Advance one, and be recognized,” the sentry called.
Phil walked slowly forward until he was within ten paces of the alert soldier.
“Halt.”
Phil stopped in his tracks.
“I guess you’re a naval officer,” the soldier said in a puzzled voice. “You’re too young to be a brigadier-general, although you’ve got a star there on your shoulder-strap.”
Phil smiled.