Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/135

Rh out, and not far away was a jungle of tropical trees and heavy undergrowth. Thither he led the way.

"Let us lose ourselves in the jungle; it's our only chance," he whispered, and gripped Si by the arm to steady him. But the Yankee youth could no longer stand,—being still weak from his fishing adventure as well as from the way he had been handled by the Filipinos,—and he sank down in a state of utter collapse.

Walter was in a quandary. Should he desert his friend and go on? It seemed the only thing to do in order to save himself. But a glance at his chum made him grit his teeth. No, he would save Si or be captured with him.

The load was a heavy one, but the excitement of the moment gave Walter strength, and throwing his chum over his shoulder like a sack of flour, he plunged boldly into the jungle. Fortunately the vines were not numerous at this locality, so they did not stay his progress. The bushes scratched his face and hands, but to this he paid no attention. His sole thought was to put distance between himself and the enemy. On and on and still on he went, his knees trembling beneath his heavy load and