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72 returned to their old haunts, some putting on civilians' dress and passing for amigos (friends). In the meantime the followers of Aguinaldo also came back to San Isidro and Tarlac in the north, while a large body of the rebels in the south moved up to surround Parañaque and other towns lying below Manila on the bay. Hostilities between the Americans and the insurgents had now lasted nearly five months, and the end was by no means in sight. On the contrary, it was admitted that Uncle Sam must have additional troops without delay, if the islands were to be pacified, and enlistments in all of our large cities went, forward as vigorously as ever.

On returning to Manila, Ben's first movement was to see how his brother Larry and his old chum, Gilbert Pennington, were faring. He found both sitting up and wonderfully improved.

"I shall be out of here in another week or so," said Larry, with something of his old-time smile. "And I can tell you I'll not be sorry."

"And I'll be out, too," put in Gilbert, and added, "How did you make out on that last excursion?"

"Well, I got my share of adventure," returned Ben, and sitting down he gave them a complete account of what had happened.