Part 20 (1/2)
They had one little brush with two of the Filipino pickets before getting into the A reat trouble
It was Major Morris whoBen and Brownell with hireatly interested
”It is, then, as I supposed,” he said ”This inforreat value to us, Major Morris,” and he thanked the major and Ben for what they had done Brownell's report was also received with close consideration by General Lawton himself
”If the prisoners have been taken to San Isidro, we eneral ”I ah, that the rebels are not ill-treating them, as I had supposed”
It was Ben, assisted by Casey, who sanell to the hospital and had the wounded soldier given every attention When they parted, Brownell, although now so exhausted that he could scarcely speak, shook the young captain's hand warmly
”I hope you find your brother soon,” he said ”I can iine how bad it makes you feel to know that he is a prisoner”
The advance of General Lawton's co It was led by Colonel Suon, Dakota, and Third Infantry troops and a battery of the Utah Light Artillery, with other troops following, including Ben's battalion with Major Morris at its head As before, the advance was along the h the rice-fields, cane-brakes, and the jungle, with the air so oppressive that it felt as though coht in it from der start, alretty!” exclai ”Dis vos vorse as der march on Malolos, eh, Tan?”
”Sure, an' it's no picnic,” replied the Irish volunteer ”But thin, Carl, me b'y, ye must remimber, we didn't come out here fer fun We kerow up into useful an' ornareatest republic that iver brathed th' breath av life”
”Chust so,” returned the Gerhed deeply Carl could fight as well as any old-tiusted him
There was the river to cross upon which the mill-house was located, and Ben could not help but wonder if the Spanish woman was still at the structure, and how the American deserters had fared But the mill-house was too far away to visit, and now the battalion was ordered into action on the upper side of the streaway for General Lawton!” was the cry that reached Ben's ears a fewof horses' hoofs, and the tall general rode through their open ranks, followed by several eneral was bound for the firing line, to personally direct the movements of the men under hied hiet of hi exposure cost the gallant leader his life
But now all was excitee force of rebels had been uncovered and there was no telling but what the jungle ahead concealed even eants ”Let us rush 'em for keeps!” And on swept the battalion, until the steady pop-pop of Mausers and the crack of the Springfields could be heard upon every side
Ben's coe as it had been, for death and disease had sadly depleted the ranks Yet the forty-six hters, and all loved their young and dashi+ng leader and would have followed him anywhere
Presently an orderly dashed up to Major Morris
”Major, Colonel Darcy wishes you to take your command up yonder hill
The rebels have a battery up there, as you can see If you can rush the position, he will send another battalion to your support”
”Tell Colonel Darcy I will obey the order,” answered Major Morris
Then he turned to the four companies ”Boys, we are ordered to take yonder hill and the two field-pieces perched on top of it Come on, and I will lead you!”
He waved his sword and aent the first battalion on the double quick, two coht hollow to cross, and then came a thicket of bras The battery at the top of the hill saw the and directed a heavy fire at their advance
”Hot work!” cried the side of Ben ”I a out of this order will cost us dear”
”If you'll allow an Ben
”Make a dozen, captain”
”Why not take a course to the left then”
”For what reason?”