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66 the shoulders. "We are not armed, and if we help the Americanos, Aguinaldo says he will behead all the Spanish prisoners he is holding." Such a threat was actually made, but it is doubtful if the Filipinos would have been base enough to carry it out.

"We came in here not to make trouble," went on the second Spaniard. "We came to learn what the firing means. Are the Americanos coming here in force?"

"They are."

"Then Santa Cruz is doomed," groaned the Spaniard. He dropped his hands and began to pace the warehouse floor. "I shall lose much if the city falls. The rebels will burn all my property, for they hate me."

"I trust not," answered Larry, his fear of the pair gradually leaving him. "Hark to that!" he added, as the rattle of guns was again heard. " Our men must be coming in fast, and orders are to save everything that can be saved. If the rebels—"

He broke off short as a cry from Luke reached him. Running to the Yankee sailor he found Luke kicking out vigorously with his foot.