Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/73

Rh woman hugged her little daughter tightly to her breast.

"Are any of the native soldiers in this jungle?"

"I think not. The army fled to Morong and to other places."

"Then show me the way to Taytay. I will see to it that you and your child are not harmed."

"You are sure of this?"

"Yes. See, I am a captain, and you can trust me. It is only the brutes who make war on the women and children, and they have no authority for so doing. Come; we will get to Taytay without delay."

The woman hesitated, but fearing that Ben might use violence, she finally consented to lead the way back to the village, and the party of three moved on through the jungle to where there was a well-defined trail. They had proceeded along the trail less than quarter of a mile when a shout greeted their ears and a small detachment of American volunteers burst into view.

"Hike her up, boys!" was the cry. "Hike her up, and don't give the natives a chance to rest!"

"Halt!" ordered Ben. "Lester, don't you know me?"