Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/196

170 become of him," and his eyes filled with tears which he hastily dashed away. Larry was also affected, and turned away to hide his grief.

There was no more to be learned out of the paper, but anxious to know all the particulars, Ben and Larry asked for permission to go to Manila and interview the commander of the transport. The permission was readily obtained, and they rode to the capital the next day, in company with some baggage carts and hospital ambulances.

"That news will break the Russell boys all up," remarked Major Morris, when told of the affair by Gilbert. "It's too bad. It seems to me those on the transport ought to have been more careful of their men."

"I agree with you," answered the young Southerner. "But, major, you said last night that you had a new bit of work in hand," he continued.

"I have, lieutenant. I was going to take both you and Captain Russell into my confidence, but I reckon it won't do any good to speak to the captain now. He's in no humor for the job."

"What job?"

"I managed to have a talk with General Lawton last night, and I got his permission to organize a