Part 18 (1/2)

”We didn't come to steal--” began the older regular, when Major Morris stopped him.

”Silence! Not another word until the lady has finished her story.”

There was a second of painful silence, and the lady continued: ”I am staying at the mill alone, for my husband has gone to the Laguna de Bay on business. Several hours ago, these two soldiers came in and demanded that I serve them with a hot supper. Not wis.h.i.+ng to have trouble I gave them the best I had. But they were not satisfied, and broke into my husband's wine closet and drank two bottles of his choicest wine, and smoked his best cigarettes, package after package.

Then, after drinking much wine, they demanded that I give them money, and that man,” pointing to the older prisoner, ”told his companion that I must have money hidden somewhere, as all the Spanish mill-owners in Luzon were rich, while the truth is, we are very poor, as the war has taken away everything. Then the men drank more, and at last they caught hold of me and threatened me with great violence if I did not give up what I had hidden away. I gave them the little silver I had, but they were not satisfied, and when I tried to run away, one hit me over the head with this bench. Then they plotted to get me out of the way entirely and go on a hunt for money themselves. I cried louder than ever, and then you started to come in. One of the men had opened that trap leading to the river, and as you came up the outer stairs both dropped me down, no doubt to drown me. I was swept down to the rocks at the falls, and there the _capitan_ saved me, G.o.d bless him for it.”

CHAPTER XIX

NEWS OF LARRY

For a minute after the Spanish woman finished, n.o.body in the mill-house spoke. Her tale had impressed both Ben and the major deeply, and they looked with cold contempt at the two regulars who had so disgraced the uniform they wore.

”This is a fine doings, truly,” said Major Morris, at length. ”I wonder what your commander will say when he hears of it.”

”If you please, they have deserted the American army,” put in the woman. ”They said as much while they were drinking my husband's wine.”

”It ain't so!” burst out the older regular, fiercely. ”And that woman has told you a string of--”

”Shut up!” interrupted the major, sternly. ”I will take this lady's word against yours every time--after what I have witnessed of both of you. Your name, please?”

”I ain't telling my name jest now,” was the sullen response.

”Aren't you?” Up came the major's pistol again. ”Your name, I said.”

”Jack Rodgrew.”

”And what is yours?” went on the commander of the first battalion, turning to the younger regular.

The man hesitated for a second. ”My name is Jerry Crossing.”

”Indeed! How is it your mate called you Bill awhile ago?”

”Why--er--er--”

”I don't believe either of the names is correct,” went on the major.

”He is called Bill, and the other is Yadder,” put in the Spanish woman. ”I heard the names many times.”

”Then that will answer, since I also have your company and regiment.

Now, then, throw down your cartridge belts.”

”Throw 'em down?” howled the regular called Bill.

”That is what I said. Throw them down at once.”

”But see here, major--”

”I won't stop to argue with you. Throw the belts down, or take the consequences.”