Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/130

108 "Jest the thing, Walter. But don't make sech a noise. Them natives may not be far off."

The stream was not over a foot deep and less than a yard wide, and they followed it with ease, around a series of rocks and then through some brushwood into the open air. Here they found themselves in a deep ravine, a veritable split in the hills, with a jungle upon either side and the twinkling stars shining far overhead.

"It must be about the middle of the night," remarked the Yankee youth. "I reckon we'll do well if we strike the shore afore morning. If the ship—"

"Hush!" came in warning from Walter, and he clapped his hand over his chum's mouth. He had caught sight of a camp-fire smouldering at a distance, and he pointed it out.

"Whose do you suppose it is? " whispered Si.

"The natives', most likely."

"Perhaps it's some friends from the transport."

"Possibly, but I don't think so."

"Let us git a bit closer and investigate, Walter."

Making the least possible noise, they drew closer to the camp-fire, which had died down until about ready to go out. Although they gazed in all directions about the spot, not a human being was to be