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308 As Ben said, the war was now practically over. According to General MacArthur's report, the insurgents were badly scattered in all directions, while the larger portion of their leaders were either under arrest or had become friendly to the United States. At Manila and other large cities business was picking up rapidly, and the American authorities were doing all in their power to restore order, open up the courts and schools, and bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion. The fighting still in progress belonged merely to a sort of guerilla warfare which was likely to continue, especially in mountainous territories, for years.

Ben's successful expedition to Negritas and Canas won for him additional praise from his superiors, and it was whispered about that he would soon be listed for a colonelcy. But this was a distinction he did not desire, and he frankly said so. "I am done with the army—at least for the present," he told his friends. "All I wish is my honorable discharge when my time is up." And this he obtained without trouble, although everybody, from the general down, was sorry to have him leave.

"We'll never fill your place, Major Russell," said Colonel Darcy. "And if you ever think of