The invalid looked taller, thinner, more bloodless than ever, and
his air of settled gloom admirably became the situation.
"Hello, Earl. What luck?" Johnnie flashed at him.
"Good!"
An officer sharply commanded them to be silent.
There ensued a long delay, introduced, perhaps, for its effect
upon the prisoners; then they were led into a large room where, it
seemed, the entire staff of the Spanish garrison was waiting. It
was an imposing collection of uniforms, a row of grim faces and
hostile eyes, which the two Americans beheld. Spread out upon a
table in front of the officers were the personal belongings of
both men.
The prisoners were ordered to stand side by side, facing their
accusers. Then each in turn was subjected to a rigorous
examination. Owing to his acquaintance with Spanish, O'Reilly was
able to defend himself without the aid of an interpreter. He began
by asserting that he had come to Cuba for his health, and declared
that he had endeavored at all times since his arrival to conduct
himself in strict conformity with local regulations. If in any way
he had offended, he had not done so intentionally, He denied
having the remotest connection with the rebels, and demanded an
explanation of his arrest.
But his plausible words did not in the least affect his hearers.
General Antuna, the comandante, a square-faced man with the airs
of a courtier, but with the bold, hard eyes of a fighter, leaned
forward, saying:
"So you suffer from ill health, senor?"
"I do, severely.
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