Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/175

Rh man as the major and such a warm-blooded fellow as his Southern chum.

"You won't get any rank in the regular army," he observed, after a pause.

"I am going to try for a lieutenant's commission. My record is a clean one, and I don't think they'll turn me down."

"And will Gilbert try, too?"

"Yes."

"Well, I wish you both success. But you have still some time to serve as a volunteer, and a good deal may happen before you leave us," concluded Ben, and then turned away to give some orders to his men, who were growing hilarious and had to be toned down.

When San Pedro Macati was reached, the scene was an animated one, for the different regiments occupied a large space with their tents and camp outfits. Here Ben found many old friends, and tales of adventure were freely exchanged.

The next day, which was Saturday, and one of the hottest on record, the advance began in earnest, both brigades moving in the direction of Guadalupe, instead of toward Manila Bay, in order to throw the enemy off the scent. The roads were still in a