Part 33 (1/2)

”Now, if we only knew where this leads to,” cried Ben.

”I reckon it leads to San Isidro,” came from Boxer. ”But we may be a good number of mil--”

”Look! look!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Striker, pointing up the road. ”The rebels, as sure as you air born! An' they air comin' about a thousand strong, too. Boys, we air lost!”

CHAPTER x.x.xI

THE FALL OF SAN ISIDRO--CONCLUSION

Luke Striker was right; a large force of Filipinos were sweeping down the road at a rapid rate, bringing with them two old field-pieces and a rapid-firing gun. They were commanded by several officers on horseback, and presented a formidable appearance to the worn-out Americans.

”Out of sight, quick!” The cry came from Ben. ”It's our only chance to escape.”

The words had scarcely left his lips when the pop-pop of several Mausers was heard, as the Filipino sharpshooters, who were in advance of the main body, opened fire upon them. Their aim was excellent, and both Striker and Boxer were hit, although neither seriously.

”They've caught me!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the old sailor, and staggered up against Ben. At the same time Boxer pitched headlong.

”Oh, Luke!” The call came from Larry, who was limping painfully.

”Where did they hit you? This is the worst of all!”

”I'm struck in the shoulder. But come, Ben is right. To the jungle!”

And Striker clutched Larry's hand in a death-like grip, bound to live or die with his closest friend, as the case might be.

The pair started forward. Ben hesitated and looked at Boxer, and saw the latter try to stagger up once more. ”He's not dead,” thought the young captain, and picked the sharpshooter up. In a few seconds more the whole party were in the jungle again.

But the Filipinos were not going to let them escape thus easily, and coming up on the double-quick, a detachment began to search the bushes, at the same time calling on the Americans to surrender if they wanted to save their lives.

With Larry limping painfully, and both Luke and Boxer groaning in spite of their efforts to keep silent, the Americans looked about for some spot which might prove a safe hiding-place. But the ground here was level and the jungle rather spare, and for those who were wounded to climb trees was out of the question.

”We'll have to make a stand, I'm afraid,” said Ben, looking to his pistol to see if it was fully loaded. ”They are coming-- Hark!”

The young captain broke off short, as a loud shouting from the road interrupted him. Then came a volley of musketry, followed by a steady stream of shots.

”We've got them this time, boys!” came in a ringing, English-speaking voice. ”Forward, and don't let a man of them escape. On to San Isidro!”

”Our troops!” cried Larry. ”Oh, G.o.d be praised that they are coming this way!”

”Yes, yes, our troops!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Ben. ”And what is more, my regiment!” The revulsion of feeling was so great that he felt like dancing a jig.

The shouting and firing now increased, until it was almost upon them.

Then followed a rush into the woods, and the little party found itself face to face with a score of Filipinos.

At first our friends were greatly alarmed, and Ben and Larry did their best to defend themselves by firing as rapidly as possible at the Tagals as they appeared. But the enemy was retreating, and gave the little party scant attention. Then came a yell close at hand, and in a few seconds a squad of American soldiers burst through the thicket.

”Dan Casey!” cried Ben, as he recognized the Irish volunteer.

”Sure, an' is it Captain Russell?” came from the soldier, joyfully.

”It is, the saints be praised! We've been a-wonderin' what had become of yez!”