Part 28 (2/2)
”Land scheot me interested in a land scheme, and his rascality costto prison in the bargain” Senor Romano paused a ood chance to catch both of the brothers”
”What! do youcaptain
”They are, or, at least, they were two or three days ago How long they will stay there, I cannot say They were at the council of war held by Aguinaldo's followers”
”I see” Ben mused for a moment ”Of course you do not know if they had the stolen money with them?”
”They appeared to have some money, for both were offered positions in the army, and that would not have happened had not they had funds to buy the offices with They appeared to be very thick with a general named Porlar,--a tricky fellow of French-Malay blood I believe the three had soh”
”Well, I'd like to catch the pair I wonder if Aguinaldo would keep them around him, if he knew their real characters?”
At this Senor Roht ”You do not kno bad are some of the men around the arch rebel, _capitan_ He has some bad advisers, I can tell you that To sourehead”
The pair discussed thethat time Ben became convinced that Senor Roents, and was certainly not of their number
”I will do what I can for you, senor,” he said, on parting ”I do not believe you will be kept a prisoner long” And the young captain was right on this score; the Spanish gentleht hours, and journeyed to Manila in company with a detachment bound for the capital of Luzon
The two talksHe no to a certainty that Larry was alive and well, and he knew also that Benedicto Lupez was at or near San Isidro, and more than likely had the stolen money on his person ”I e could push ahead without delay,” he htto be at liberty onceto the front, and General Lawton did not feel like risking his ht surrender at any moment So a delay of several days occurred, with only a little skirmish here and there to break the monotony
”Hullo, here's news!” cried Major Morris, as he rushed up to Ben's quarters oneto sail for the United States”
”With the _Oly captain
”Yes The warshi+p leaves next Saturday, with all on board Won't he get a rousing reception when he arrives home?”
”Larry won't be with him,” said Ben
”By Jove, captain, that's so It's too bad, isn't it? I suppose he would like to go, too”
”I can't say as to that Perhaps he would just as lief stay here and join some command on land, or some other shi+p, especially if he knew thaton But I am sure he would like to see his old messmates off,” concluded Ben
Admiral Dewey started for the United States at four o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, May 20 The departure proved a gala ti decorated, and the other warshi+ps firing a salute The bands played ”Auld Lang Syne,” ”Home, Sweet Hoet a last look at the noble flagshi+p as she slipped down the bay toward the China Sea, with the ad them a final adieu In all the time he had been at Manila, Ad was indeed to be one of grand triumph
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE ADVANCE UPON SAN ISIDRO
”Why, Luke Striker, is it possible! I thought you had sailed for the United States on the _Olyht to think that, captain,” responded the old gunner, as he shook hands waro away and leave Larry behind, but he's too much my boy for me to do that--yes, sirree When I hears as ere to set sail for the States, I goes up to the admiral himself, an' says I: 'Admiral,' says I, 'do you remember how Larry Russell an' yer humble servant comes on board of the _Olympia_?' says I 'Yes,' says he 'I remember it well,' says he 'Well,' says I, 'Larry is ashore, a prisoner of the eneo for to leave hihs and asks o ashore and report to Rear Admiral Watson--who is comin' on--sometime later And here I a is possible”
The old sailor's honest speech went straight to Ben's heart, and he saw very plainly how deep was Luke's affection for his younger brother ”You're a , Luke!” he exclaiht so much of you”