Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/47

Rh "I'll make him do it," returned Ben, firmly.

A talk of several minutes with the Tagal followed. At first the sharpshooter was very unwilling, and shook his head steadily, but when Ben placed a pistol to the man's forehead he quickly changed his mind. Then Gilmore was lifted up, and the Tagal caught hold of his legs, while the lieutenant used what little strength he had to cling to the man's neck.

"Now you have got to get us past your sharpshooters in safety," said Ben, emphatically. "If you attempt to play us any trick, I'll shoot you on the spot. Forward!" And picking up the Tagal's rifle and slinging it over his shoulder, he ranged up beside the fellow, with drawn pistol ready for use.

It was plain to see the sharpshooter did not relish the task cut out for him, yet as he did not want to be shot, he moved forward as directed, and soon the hollow was left behind and the party of three was heading toward the rocks before mentioned.

The downfall of rain had now increased, and but little could be seen at a distance of a hundred feet or even less. The guide found a passage between the rocks and then moved directly northward.