Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/68

48 the ground covered made it difficult of execution, and General Hall's column had barely come in sight of Antipolo, when it was fired upon. A running fire continued for two miles, when the rebels were discovered in a well-constructed line of trenches on the distant hillside.

"We must scatter them, boys," said the general. "General Lawton expects every man to do his duty. Forward!" And forward they did go, one command after another, Colonel Darcy's first battalion well to the front, with Major Morris commanding, and one of the lieutenants of Company B leading Ben's command. Many wondered what had become of Captain Russell and Lieutenant Gilmore, and some gave up both as dead.

The trenches were gained after a fight lasting half an hour, in which a dozen rebels were killed and several Americans were badly wounded, and then the column pushed on, over roads which were little better than gullies of mud. None of the wagons or guns could get through, and all had to be left behind.

As soon as General Lawton understood how matters were faring he ordered the troops at Pasig forward, in the direction of Cainta, which was