Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/53

Rh with us, and it is raining so hard, you will not object to remaining?"

"I suppose I'll have to stay," said Ben, bluntly.

"Why put the matter so harshly, capitan? I will count you as my guest."

"If you will count me as a guest, do me a favor."

"Anything I can do I will do gladly."

"Then send some men back for my companion."

"What was the trouble with him?"

"He fell on the rocks and hurt his back."

"That is truly unfortunate, capitan. But it would do small good for me to send back for him. Our hospital camps are already overcrowded—not one could take him in."

"He will die if left alone, without food or drink, and in this weather."

At this the Filipino captain shrugged his lean shoulders. "That must be his affair—not mine. But you may be mistaken. He may crawl back to his friends."

Ben shook his head slowly. He pitied Gilmore from the bottom of his heart. Yet a glance at the face of the individual before him told him that to argue the matter further would be useless.

"A portion of your army is pushing this way, I