He knew that I wasn't Gerald right enough, but his eyes simply spat fire, and he stamped with rage and was more furious than ever because I couldn't understand him.
The fat little A.D.C. was called up to ask questions. He gave me a friendly wink, and I notched up a point in his favour.
He jabbered away to the President and I heard 'Wilson no Don Geraldio' and '_Hector buque de guerra--Inglesa--Los Angelos_.'
He asked me if I knew where Gerald was. Of course I didn't and shook my head, 'No! old chap, I don't.'
The President didn't believe it when this was told him.
'El Presidente say shoot you if do not say where is Don Geraldio.'
Of course that was only bluff, and I smiled.
Then the firing party were called across, but that was still only bluff, I thought, and it didn't frighten me in the least till I saw the fat little A.D.C.'s face turn yellow under his brown skin.
Well, then I was in a mortal funk, if you like, and something inside me went flop down into my boots.
'Our cannon--cannon of _Hector_--shoot thirty kilometres,' I jerked out, remembering how impressed the A.D.C.'s had been with our after 9.2, my tongue feeling a bit sticky and my knees not altogether steady.
The old Governor, the two A.D.C.'s, and several other officers were evidently doing their best for me. I heard 'kilometres' mentioned once or twice, and then the President waved his hand majestically and I was taken back and the grating locked behind me.
My head was buzzing, and I don't mind telling you that I felt a jolly sight more comfortable inside than outside--just then. The little President and all his staff went away, and I heard their horses clattering over the drawbridge. Before he went away, my fat little pal came along and held out his cigarette case through the gratings. I bowed and smiled and took one cigarette; but he shook his head, he wanted me to empty it. I did this and then had a brilliant inspiration. My cigarette case was a pretty decent one, so I offered him mine.
'We change cigarette cases--for remembrance--I shall always remember,' I said.
The kind-hearted little chap seemed quite pleased, took mine as I took his, bowed, said '_Adios_! I also shall remember,' and went after the others as fast as his spurs and his sabre and his fat little legs would let him.