Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/264

234 surround yonder church," was the command of the general. "The remaining battalion can move across the hill to that first rise. A battalion of regulars will join you in a few minutes." And then the general was off to another portion of the field.

The colonel lost no time in following out General MacArthur's orders, and the battalions to be sent over to the church were the first and the third—they containing the best marksmen in the regiment.

To surround the church was easy, but Colonel Darcy knew well enough that he was expected not alone to surround the edifice, but to capture its defenders as well, if the deed could be accomplished. This was a dangerous piece of work, and he looked questioningly at his men.

"It's all right, colonel; I know the men will do it," whispered Major Morris, for he and his superior were very intimate.

"I don't want half the command killed," was the slow answer. "We have lost men enough."

With caution the two battalions moved closer to the church, taking advantage of every tree and bush, rock and stone wall. The sharpshooters, however, saw them coming, and kept up a constant crack!