Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/304

274 "It was good of you to take care of him," said Ben, later on. "He would have died on the hillside had you not done so." And then he added, "And now I have news for you," and told her about the capture of Friar Ponprè and the recovery of her father's will.

"It is wonderful!" she cried. "Wonderful!" And she came close to embracing him, but he backed out and shifted the subject.

As there was no use in hurrying back to the American lines, Ben and Gilbert, with the others, spent two days at Biloguana, much to the disgust of the natives generally. During this time they were entertained by Inez Garabella, who acted as if she could not do enough for them.

"She has an eye on you, Ben," said Gilbert, slyly. "Better beware."

"I am bullet proof, Gilbert," said the young captain, with a short laugh. " No Spanish beauty for me. An American girl will be good enough—if I ever think of getting married. Yet I cannot but admire her sincere friendship."

On the afternoon when the American soldiers were leaving the town, a native was brought in badly wounded. He proved to be the guide,