Part 20 (1/2)

They had one little brush with two of the Filipino pickets before getting into the American lines, but the rebels were young men and not very courageous and let them slip by without great trouble.

It was Major Morris who made the report to the colonel, taking Ben and Brownell with him. Colonel Darcy was greatly interested.

”It is, then, as I supposed,” he said. ”This information will be of great 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 must try our best to liberate them,” said the general. ”I am so glad to learn, though, that the rebels are not ill-treating them, as I had supposed.”

It was Ben, a.s.sisted by Casey, who saw Brownell 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 imagine how bad it makes you feel to know that he is a prisoner.”

The advance of General Lawton's command was now directed at Maasin, a few miles beyond Baliuag. It was led by Colonel Summers, who took with him some Oregon, 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 main road and through the rice-fields, cane-brakes, and the jungle, with the air so oppressive that it felt as though coming out of a steaming oven.

”I d.i.n.k me I vos right in it from der start, alretty!” exclaimed Carl Stummer, as he plodded along. ”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 kem out fer to show thim haythins how to behave thimselves an' grow up into useful an' ornamental citizens av the greatest republic that iver brathed th' breath av life.”

”Chust so,” returned the German volunteer. ”But it vos uphill vork, ennahow,” and he sighed deeply. Carl could fight as well as any old-time trooper, but the long tramps through the jungle always disgusted 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 stream.

”Gangway for General Lawton!” was the cry that reached Ben's ears a few minutes later, and then came a cras.h.i.+ng of horses' hoofs, and the tall general rode through their open ranks, followed by several members of his staff. As was usual, the general was bound for the firing line, to personally direct the movements of the men under him.

Many were the times that the members of his staff urged him not to make a target of himself. He would not listen; and in the end this daring exposure cost the gallant leader his life.

But now all was excitement, for a large force of rebels had been uncovered and there was no telling but what the jungle ahead concealed even more. ”We are up against it, fellows!” shouted one of the sergeants. ”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 company was no longer as large as it had been, for death and disease had sadly depleted the ranks. Yet the forty-six men in the command were now thoroughly seasoned fighters, and all loved their young and das.h.i.+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 away went the first battalion on the double quick, two companies to the front. There was first a slight hollow to cross, and then came a thicket of brambles where many a uniform was reduced to rags. The battery at the top of the hill saw them coming and directed a heavy fire at their advance.

”Hot work!” cried the major, as he ranged up alongside of Ben. ”I am afraid the carrying out of this order will cost us dear.”

”If you'll allow me to make a suggestion, major--” began Ben.

”Make a dozen, captain.”

”Why not take a course to the left then.”

”For what reason?”