military rank up to that of Captain you may deem advisable. You will
also be given the secret countersign of the Cuban Junta, which will
secure for you good treatment among all Cubans of intelligence."

"His best safeguard among Cubans should be that he is an American
soldier," suggested General Lawton.

"You will perceive," continued General Miles, "that I have laid out a
vast amount of work for you to perform in a very short time; but you
will be provided with plenty of money, and by procuring a good horse as
soon as possible after landing I believe you can accomplish it. I hope
you will be able to reach Santiago and gain a knowledge of its
defences; but no matter where you are, when you hear that our army has
landed, make your way to it with all speed, and report immediately to
the commanding general. Is all this clear? and have you anything to
suggest?"

"Your instructions are perfectly clear, sir," replied Ridge, his voice
trembling with excitement, "and I only want to suggest that instead of
depending upon Cuban horses for transportation across the island, I be
allowed to take my own from here."

"Are you sure that your horse is enough better than those of the island
to warrant carrying it to such a distance?"

"I can vouch for that, General," interposed Lieutenant-Colonel
Roosevelt. "Sergeant Norris has one of the very best horses in our
regiment, and one that has developed almost human intelligence under
his training."