Page:The Campaign of the Jungle.djvu/68

48 closer. "And sailors, not soldiers," he added, in his native tongue. "Where did you come from?"

Larry and Luke shook their heads. "Talk United States and we'll speak to you," said the old sailor.

"You gif up?" demanded an under officer, as he pushed his way forward, with his pistol covering Larry's heart.

"Ain't nuthin' else to do, I reckon," replied Luke, before Larry could answer. He was afraid the boy might be rash and try running away again.

"Throw down de pistoles, den," muttered the Tagal, with an ugly frown.

Down went the weapons on the ground, and then two of the rebels advanced to search them. They found nothing of special value excepting the pair's jack-knives, and these were confiscated and turned over to the officer in command.

The prisoners were then told to march up the river shore to a road leading into Santa Cruz. With their hands bound tightly behind them, they were placed in charge of a detail of four Filipinos, who were instructed to take them without delay before the general in charge of the city's defences.

"They may hold information of importance,"