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About Eugene weekly guard. (Eugene, Or.) 190?-1910 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 5, 1908)
o THK EIGENE WEEKLY Gl'ARD. THVRSDAY. NOVEMBER 4. I»<>“ Bj GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON Author of "Beverly of Grausterk,” Etc DOUD. COPYRIGHT. MEAD , COMPANY CHAPTER XXII (Continued). .m1gnS along the mountain road e information that was not worth wring A deserted village showed Xns of the i>assage. and finally there wxs pw-f «head that Pilar bad stop nd to give battle. He had reached • Ms vantage ground. Connell and hi« men drew back and waited. Nightfall -ame and with It the spiteful crack of the Mainer rifie. A brawny trooper toppled over with a great hole In hl* he,.I I’llar’” pickets could nee like «ts In the night. The native scout „ported thnt the big village of Com repcion was not far abend: I’llnr’s men wen* making their stand before this rather Important stronghold. ••We’ll get a scrap that is a scrap hors - d.l Connell exultlngly. "These fellows are going to put up a tight at las: They're like liees up yonder. We've got to fall back on the com patiy If we don't, they'll chew us up before the little captain cun get to us." Too well did the men know the belli cose tempérament of the big Irishman to think of grumbling at such a com mand. jet it wns with a certain reluc tance which invariablj’ accompanies a backward step that the men retired to meet the advancing company. Young Bansemer iu ills khaki uni form wns uot the immaculate, debon- nalre man of the drawing room. Serv lee. though short, had been hard and grueling. His face was eveu hand somer with its rugged lines and set features He was thinner and brown er; his eyes were clearer aud a darker gray: his hair seemed thinker and fairer than before; his figure more erect and sinewy. The wistful look lu bls eyes seemed to betray hunger for action; his ever ready eagerness to lie od the move told of his strength and of his weakness. He had the lean, active bearing of the panther and the restless daring of thnt lithe animal. No luau in the company had stoo 1 fire as valiantly as he. He courted the whiz of the bullet, scoffed at the rig ors of the march and Instinctively was a good shot with the rifle, lie bore n > grudge against the department at home; he had no grievance. The officer« recognized lu him a man of parts, a man of station far above the position which he had chosen in the army. He was a source of mys- terj- to the men of his own rank in the line—the plowboys, the teamsters, the roustabouts and the ne’er-do-wells who had gone Into rhe army from choice or discretion. At first they had called him the "dude" and had laughed at his white hands and clean Jaws. Ilis indifference to their taunts annoyed them. One day he knocked down the biggest bully of the lot and walked away without even waiting to see whether he would arise after the blow lie simply glared at the next man who chaffed. It was enough. The com pany held him In a new respect that forbade the reporting of the Incident to the officer of the day. Every night before he lay down to sleep, in the rice field or the barrios, he took from his p«x'ket a leather case and gazed at the small portrait It shel tered. No one had been permitted to •ee him in Ills devotions, for that was what he called these sacred moments. His loan face, full of tierce energy all day long, softened ns his eyes de voured the dainty miniature. • • • • • “Halt! Who goes there?" A shot rang out in the stillness of the night. It was answered at once by another closer in. More shots fol lowed. gradually increasing to a fusil lade as the scouts and pickets came running back. Men sprang up from the ground, but even as they did so knottier volley reached them, and three men dropi>ed with a groan and lay •till. The alarm sounded clear from the bugle and echoed hack from the surrounding hills. A sharp command came from the throat of the sergeant The company seized the stacked rtflaa. Captain Groce gave another order. The formation to repel attack was made lb an incredibly short space of time There was no disorder, no confusion The little officer was as cool as If on ®rasa parade. "Steady, men! Walt until they're nearer!” They had not long to wait From all •ides a horde of shouting, firing men Were rushing on the little square. Here they are! Now. then, boys. fire'" ’Iley after volley vollry rang mt. osit. Th« ' "’Hey foremost of the enemy fell at theit ’“vt Hand to hand was the fighting The bayonets lunged with deadly ef feet, but seemed powerless to thrust the mass back on itself. Men shot, backed, stabbed and clubbed each oth- W- It was a whirl of uplifting and lev-ending rifles and bolos Fierce oaths vied with the shrieks the wounded for supremacy. The •Hint of men who slaughter, the gasps of the victims when the steel went b*’tne. were heard on all aides. At times the soldiers could not see on a ’"■■at of the sweat and bl***! I” from their faces The very air te.,1 a___ __ - ... •«x* Q «3 p!!ng with the enemy. To Bansemer it seemed that al! his life he had l*een doing nothing but warding off and delivering blows. Fighting side by side with Rogers, he saw. with horror, that ths soldier’s rifle had t>eeu torn from his hands and that he had uo weapon to defend himself, but before he could see Just how It happened this Individual com bat had altered its aspect, Rogers had grablied the Filipino's gun and was doing the clubbing. With renewed zest Bansemer iitiished with the bayo net his own assailant and saw the man fall on top of pour A ìauis an4 Relander. Suddenly there was an exultant yell from the enemy, Instinctively Banse mer knew that one side of the square had given way. Quickly turning, be rushed to give his aid and Just in time caught the arm of a native about to slash him with a huge knife With the two gripped hands high in the air struggling for mastery the adversaries became separated a bit from the rest of the chaotic mass of friend and foe, swaying out to one side of the plaza and under the walls of a convent. Bansemer was facing It, and Just at the moment that he felt his strength giving way and could see a grin of triumph on the fiendish face there came a flash and a reisirt, and his ad versary fell at Ills feet Glancing up to ascertain who had tired the shot that had saved Ills life, he thought he saw a figure disappearing from oue of the windows The incident acted as an inspiration. Gathering together a few men, he reached the captain's side and communicated his plan. The opportu nity was not to be lost. Groce gave an order; Connell rejieuted it. Then in terpreting a temporary lull in the mur derous struggle as their vantage, the men, with u cheer and dragging the field piece, broke for the building and by bayoneting and clubbing the insur gents out of the way accomplished the dash with slight loss. The soldiers hurled themselves against the stoutly barred door. It fell w ith a crash. Guards were stationed and all open ing« and windows manned. Singularly enough, these defensive actions seem ed ut least temporarily unnecessary, for the watchers peering out of the win dows reported that the dead alone oc cupied the recent field of bajtle. Not a single Filipino wus to be seen on the plaza. Every village has Its convent or bar rios. Generally speaking, their size corres[»onds in a certain ratio with the population. But this particular build Ing wus an exception. Dimly lighted. It gave the impression of ranking In size with many of those in far larger villages. Immediately the thought came to the Invaders that the church might have sheltered the insurgent leaders. Aguinaldo or I’llar might have directed the attack from Inside these walls. Orders were given to search every corner and crevice to ferret out concealed foe«. A rear win dow was open, proving that flight could have been by that means of egress. Bansemer was almost posi tlve that the bullet which had killed his assailant had come from one of the upper windows, but whether from friend or toe was undeterminable. Were they not in a cunningly planned trail of some kind? Considerably perplexed, Bansemer decided to keep on his guard He was ruthlessly searching the chancel when a deep groan caught his attention. Presently, «• he paused to listen, n dark figure leai»ed toward him from a recess back of the altar The flash of a pistol blinded him and momentarily a sharp pain shot through his arm. but he recovered In time to throw bls tall the slight, almost frame 1 forward —------ upon . indistinguishable figure, There was a short struggle, and before his cotn- rade’rouhf reach him hta adversary was safely pinned to the floor. A ipnment later the torche« in the hands of hl« friends were burning brightly above the figure of his captive « slen der boy who choked with terror and rap«* •Who are you. my young friend? ask»d Bansemer. holding the boy at arm's length. There w«s no answer from the tlgnt- lv closed Ilf’« «nd BHmwmer shook him a little roughly Then for the first time he perceived that he was not « Fili pino His akin was dark, but not the akin of the native« The handsome, boyish face had regular feature« En ronean In character -Spaniard’ inquired Bansemer a tri tie ’-«re gently and ««»In the boy ftaal--’. a took of hatred In’" Ms cap- torf» eyra* “book here, my young spalpee«." Mid Connell gruffly. "Fl q.ino or KpBD- lard. if you w»nt >our you’d twtter answer questions and no lies, do you bear?" groan At this threat .vhere hen rd to come fro In the rec««««« of tari men were start!»*! boy cast a furtive tjou. do O the boy with IUn? •*« ing. fa.-e ■ prostrati . < * bim et y The boy laughed sarcastically. "How many meu has Agulnaldo?" "Times hundred or more I would advise you to kx»k out for filar He. too, may come at auy moment." Scarcely had the words left I his mouth when a storm of yells ea < me from outside the convent, and Im mediately the boy rushed to his broth er's side. “Great Ceasar, there s a thousand of them!" cried Rogers Instantly every man made for the position ssetgiux! to him. The gun was In readiness. Outside the Mausers rat tied, bullets coming from all quarter« and thumping sharply against the op posite walls with a patter that warms! the Americans against standing erect. Occasionally a scout would i>eep from a window and take a shot Into the darkness, but these ventures were few All lights were extinguished The men fired at the spots from which burst the flames of rifles, then <lr*q>ped aud denly. After awhile the tiring of the Filipinos dwindled Into a shot now an*l then "Keep low! They don't dare risk a charge! Be ready to defend the door!" Captain Groce commanded The night wore on. and with the ces sation of hostilities ronfldence increas ed. Re-enforcements were not far off. and it did not seem possible that the sounds of battle could not be heard. The men. worn out by the exciting events of the day. were generally si lent. Sergeant Connell, however, was an exception “Get us! Not a bit of It," he was say ing, "the dirty little cowards! Major March will lie here in the shake of a dead lamb’s tall." An hour later Bansemer. hla rifle In hand, sitting near one of the windows, suddenly felt some one tugging at ills arm. Turning, he saw the Spanish boy. "Won't you come and help me to carry my brother Isdilnd the stone wall?” he was saying "He is exposed to the bullets and cannot move him self.” "Willingly!’’ and Grnydou followed bis lend. As if lie was n child, he picked up the gaunt Spaniard and carefully Imre him to the place of shel ter, but despite all that lie could do to hide Ills suffering the pain In ills arm. which the removal of th** man had In creased, was such for a moment that he felt faint and staggered. The boy was quick to notice It nml quickly aaked: "What Is the matter? Wounded?” “It's nothing; merely a scratch.” "Oh. I know. Why, It's your arm. and 1”,— The boy’s face crimsoned with shame and contrition. Through the semidarkness the blush esca|xxi Grnydon's notice, but not so the truly feminiue little shriek of dismay as lie touched and felt the wet sleeve. “It was I who (lid it! Oh. how can you ever forgive me?” Grnydou, dumfounded, starisi in wonder. “Whatr he exclaimed; "you're n girl?” “Yes, I'm bls sister,” pointing to the dying man; then, with some embnr rassmeut: "These clothes? They are the only ones they would give me. You see, a girl would have been a burden; a boy none at all. Do you think that had 1 been a man you could so easily have overpowered ine? No!” The slim, little figure drew Itself up straight and defiant before him. De spite the loose, ugly garments of the Filipinos, Graydon noticed for the first time that the figure was perfectly molded and high bred. She swept off the wide hat she wore, and the man saw a mass of dark hair done up tight ly on her bend. But eveu while be » gazed her iikxm I changed, She liecamu There u*ui a »(tort ttruggle. subserviently anxious and begged him lairst In chorus from every throat But to let her attenil to bis arm. She as suddenly they were followed by ex pleaded so hard that, to please her, pressions of chagrin, for by contrasting he yield«!, Water was obtalneil frotn the present situation with that which somewhere, Ilie sllgllt 11.-sh >• they had anticipated, tills information washed and then, disappearing had succeeded in intensifying their the darkness, to Ills amazement a o turiK*d almost Instantly with mortification. But notwithstanding his share of the bandages and dressed his nrtn. While this surgical operation U universal disappointment, a hasty re flection of preceding events convinced going on Graydon, for the life of him. Graydon that personally be bad little could not resist the temptntlon to ask ground for complaint against the late her again why she had tried to shoot occupants of the convent, for uninten him. At first, so terribly in earnest did tional as undoubtedly had been the she take the question and lieg for act through which at the very point of mercy, that he smiled at her, and then, death his existence had been pre seeing his amusement, she said co served, there was no evidence to re quettlshly: fute the hypothesis that the shot which "How could I possibly have known had killed his assailant in the plaza that you were so nice? Besides, 1 had Iwn fired by one of the insur had always heard you Americans re gents under cover. ferred to as brutes.” "Grant Scott!” was the exclamation Graydon laughed; then suddenly his to which he gave utterance. "Once face became very grave. The realiza more. I suppose, I owe my life to the tion of her terrible situation bad blundering marksmanship of a Filipi dawned upon him. A woman among a no!" crowd of rough soldiers! Her brother This half hearted acknowledgment and protector dying! And all sur of hl» strange Indebtedness educed rounded by hordes of savage enemies from bls companions no recognition who at any moment might kill them! other than a puzzled stare from the The thought dismissed all pleasantry sergeant and an enigmatical smile on from hla mind Something must lie the face of the young Spaniard Con done, and at once Presently he asked: nell proceeded with his examination: "What is your name?” •Why did they leave you here?" "My father was Colonel Ilarnos Jose “They bad no time to take us with Velaaquea That also la my brother's them when you broke in." was the name, except that he Is not an officer boy's answer -Agulnaldo was on hla I am Teresa Fortune Velasquez. My way to some village where hla family mother was English, a sister of Sir is In biding The scouts told him of William Fortune She la dead. For your presence. Then he determined ten years we have lived in Manila.” not to waft for Pilar, but to surpriw "Too won’t mind If I call the ser you. We never rested day or night geant will youT’ The girl nodded a My pope brother—bow be wifferedr slightly bewildered assent as Graydon •ee that he Is dying?" cried the boy piteously in broken English "He cati t* t tight you; he's dying," anij theu In • perfect frenzy of rage to Bensetner. Let me gv-plg!" Not until afterward did Bansemer recall that In the general excitement it was the tx>v who dragged him aloug to the s|>ot. And tn spite of the soleui city of the scene there was something In bls maimer of delivering the lusult that amused rather than angered the American. "Plucky little devil!" he said half aloud Again the sick man groaned, tried to rise from the blankets and s|x*ak. but July to fall back moaning. Connell cautioned him against exertion and promised that no harm should come to either of them. While he reported the discovery to Captain Groce, he had the man carried to another part of the church and there made comfortable, tor the first time now Bansemer began to notice the pain In bls arm. Some what angrily he turued to the boy: “Come. Give an account of yourself! How came you here?" "Prisoners," was the sullen answer. "Of the Filipinos?" Bansemer asked In surprise. “Yes.” "Then why did you try to kill me?" "I hate you both! We Spaniards, have we not as much to fear from you? What difference does color make in brutes?" "By the holy apostles! You're a gritty young ’un!" growled the return ing sergeant. "Who's the other chap?" “My brother—he's dying.” said the boy, his voice softening "Holy Virgin, save him! For weeks we've been in the hands of Aguinaldo's men. He's been so 111 all the time. Have you a doctor?" "A surgeon will probably lie with us before long," was the sergeant’s evasive reply. Bansemer looked searchlngly nt Con nell. What he saw in the other's eyes caused him a sharp pang of grief. Both men turned their faces away for a moment, and it was with a gulp that Connell continued: “Your brother will have the best of care If we get out of this mess. You are both safe. We are not lighting ttie Spaniards.” And then pertinently. “Bo these were Aguinaldo's men?" "Yes. He was here directing the fight.” the boy answered. "Agulnaldo here!" This and other ejaculations of surprise and anger *T«k yea. but why are they carrying you on a tnar*-h like this?" My brother is the only man wb*> knows where the Spanish gobi was biddso when our war was ended—I mean the g*J*l ’hat cam«* up with guns aud ammunition. Agulnaldo Is looking for the hiding place. My father, a • h army, <ll***l r. We were in ManIla by re been going ¿MUI s me *r since. We i pfS'e to biding place A merk a na do not need gold, a »•ith almost Chestertieldlan grace “But we are your friends " Outside ouce more the Mausers were rattling, and Connell, with a word of parting, hastily took his leave Gray don. ou the point of returning to bls post, was prevented by the girl "You were gentle with me even when 1 tried to Ikm't risk your life there Sh*x»t from that narrow gate." pointing aloft. "It's not so exposed." Bansemer dragged an altar chair up to the grated window and perched Bansc-mcr stood w/tm rtly tn front of the altar and bl<ued uuxip. himself upon it. The girl sat below him, boldlug her brother's head lu her lap. He was groaning and crying out to the soldiers to kill him rather than permit lilm to full into the hands of the natives again. Suddenly there «as a great comtno- tlou and crashing of timbers In the front part of the church, followed by shouts and the rushing : of feet Gray don dropped from Ills perch and ran forth into the chancel, As he did so the banging of rifle» close at hand deafened him. In an instant lie saw what had happened, The Filipinos had charged the door I and had forced tt. They were crowding their way Into the church In the face of the deadly I<rag-Jorgensens. The chapel was lighted, but uot from the luslde. Cunning Insurgents iu the shelter of the walls were holding great torches Just outside of the windows. Graydon could see his comrades firing at the door from liehlnd every conceivable barrier. Without hesitation he dashed down the aisle ami into the thick of the fray near the door. The struggle was brief but tierce. The merciless tire of many Mausers on tlie outside opened a way through the small band of defenders, and the rush of the besiegers was successful. Through the door and windows they came, swarming like bees. Many of them fell to rise no more, but their comrades took an eye for an eye. Once confident soldiers toppled over dead until but few were left Hanse liter led them In a quick dash for the chancel, hoping that the enemy would not tlare attack a place so sacred. Captain Groce and other officers had fallen. Connell became the leader of the remnant. Bansemer stood squarely In front of the altar and biased away at the horde of Filipinos as they ail vancetl. They shot at him wildly and without effect. Bullets crashed into the altar decorations la-hind him. He stood there ns one protected by God. unharmed in the shelter of the cross. Behind him his comrades cowered and cursed In their dread of certain death He heard the shrill cries of the girl urging him to protect her brotlier. She was calling upon God and the Holy Virgin to aid and shield him. And lie food there with a crazy Joy in his be rt. savagely pulling the trig „-!•:• or 1 e Krag Jorgensen. Finally 'ii- bu: ii er snapped with no report. As be in iod back in consternation a 1 fi :i. •e leaped to his side with a fro-'t w . n ; »<>n. He shouted a word of warning to her and wheeled again to confront the foe Even as he raised the gun a great shout arose above the noise of con flict. There was a mighty rush, a new banging of guns, a sudden stampede, and the chapel wan Ailed with men in khaki! CHAPTER XXIII. I !REAT was the dlaappotnt- rs meat of Major Man k and bls men when they f-mnd I that neither Agulnaldo nor Pilar had fallen Into their hands. Although they bad come Just in time to prevent the complete annihilation of the little company the leaders bad escaped with the remnant oioved rapidly toward the others Shortly be returned with the gallant of their surprised fore«*. Scoraa of Irishman. Filipinos were captured, doaen. war* "Señorita,” tregan Connell, mopping killed and wound*- ! Eight of the da-t hla forehead ami assuming bis most lag -■•ut» who went out wl'h Jerry polite manner, "you are perfectly safe ga*t vp tl with us. and as quickly as possible for th left at tbr your brother and yxirw-lf shall be sent t*ck to Manila Y of a girl, an*! we I* tn whatever drees— Rhe hiolred at prise, sn*l her II “Put I tin not “PrMaft.lT aetw If ■’Nonsense!" said Graydon "Why *le the convent Into a well arranged bus you thluk that of me?" pltal. I'ncle Sam’s benevolence wa» "Because everybody else thinks It,' also cheerfully extended to the wound she said, "aid lievaiise I am a very ed Filipinos. The days of the "watet wise person. l'be men are not so cure" am! “ungodly butchery" had noi elmrltal'le as I, seuor. They say that yet come you Joined the army because ot some Young Velasquez died soon after day woman whom you could not marry. I break He had l>een dying for days agree with them, except that it is aha His sister's grief was pathetic In the who would not marry you. Forgive extreme- aye. demoralising, for It me if I have hurt you?" struck deep into the hearts of soldiern Impulsively she put her hand upon who had scoffed at the llfebltxxl of his. tier dark eyes full of pleading man. but could not brave the tears ot The touch of her hand did not send a a woman. ibrill through him. Such contact, how Bansemer did all lu tils poser to ever, • atiseU the blood to tingle In the comfort and console her. It was to qill* k veins of the girl He merely sat him that she clung In her despair, ll< ami stared Into space After a moment bad been her captor, and yet It bad she drew her bund away. been he who stood forth In his might "1 am sorry." she said. to defend her and tlie loved one who "There is a glrl, Teresa," he said was dead. At nightfall the dead were shortly. burled In that faroff wilderness, their "Yes. 1 know Tell me nbout her." humble graves marked and recorded "I can't," he exclaimed bitterly. He before the time when the government arose and walked quickly away Te- could come to give other graves In resa s dark eyes followed him in pity other lands to these who had given and wonder aye. affection. Then she their lives, Velasques was laid beside shook her bend sadly and turned her the Americans Teresa, a shivering. attention elsewhere not piqued, much sobbing little figure in the garb of an to her own amazement. Insurgent soldier, was supported by Ite enforcements came up two days big Graydon Bansemer There was no later with the word that the command servi e except the short arniv ritual; er In chief expis’tixl the campaign there was uo priest or pastor; tlie.e against Pilar to etui within a week and was but one real mourner a pretty, that hard fighting was ahead. The heart broken girl who lay for hours Bed Cross people were following han! Ix-slde the rude mound on the hillaldo U|s>n the heels of the regiment, and Word came back at nightfall that Held hospitals were to tx* established the detachments were to form a Junc Every man In the band of newcom tion at one of the big villages west- ers was singing the praises of a won ward in two days. The Instruct lone derfully beautiful lied Cross nurse were that tin* wouuded Filipinos The stories told of her charms were should lie left In the village, where varied, but none lacked enthusiasm native women ami doctors would care Some said she was tin* (laughter of a for them. rich magnate come to do sen Ice in the "What In thunder are we to do with cause of humanity; others were sure the girl?" was the question that came site was a great and Iwautlful aetrees from the officer In command. More who was sacrificing everything to con than one man scratched hla head spli-uous advertising All, however, thoughtfully ami looked toward the were agreed In tile praise of her noble disturbing element that bad come Into beauty. the army. She was sitting alone ami The little detachmeut on guard turn disconsolate In front of the church. ed up its collective nose and proudly "There's no way to send her back to IMilnteil to Teresa Velasquez. her friends, and we can’t leave her "Ixxik at that," said Bob Spurrier. hen*.” said Bansemer. "Can she stack up with the hiking "But, gee whiz! We can't take i her queen? Our girl Is real quality. She's <>u n hike like this," protested the Ber no common American. She's a gran geant "She’ll lx* In the way. it nd ilee's daughter. There's royal bl<x>d In she'll give out, and all that Besl ildee, her. By thunder, gentlemen, she’« what would we do with a w otiinn blood kin to little Alfonso.” around all the time?" Teresa sought shelter from the curi "I fancy she can hike all right,” said ous though admiring eyes of the fresh Graydon. "Major March wouldn't ex arrivals. pect us to leave her Ixdilnd. That "I don't like these new soldiers," she would Is* heartless.” complained to Graydon. "1 wish they By the time the party and guides were had not come. Tliey talk of this liesiv- randy to start on their foreixl march tlful nurse, and they laugh nt me. Oh. th** opinion unanimously expressed I w Isb 1 hail something else to wear.” was that Teresa Velasquez should go "lion't worry, little girl; you're worth forward also, come what might. She ten nurses,” said he. hail pleaded so hard and so effectually "Alas, though I am dressed an a man. that the meu were fairly swept off I do not feel as Isild ns one.” she la their feet lu a storm of sympathy. mented. "If she gives out we'll carry her!" The next day re enforcements came roared a deeply Impressed young man up. and the whole command advanced with long rad whiskers. upon Tllad puss, where Pilar, nt last, "And when we get up to the com hail lx*en cornered. On the 2d of De- mand we'll make them denied corre eember n desperate conflict took place. spondents take turn about walkin', so Pflnr was Intrenched In the pass near she can ride a pony all the time the celebrated ris k kuown ns El Ohls They've got no business rldln' any po. “the Bishop.” His resistance for a how.” time was valorous nnil deadly. Corpo And so with rosy confidence In the ral Parry saw him mount his borne be fitness of things and a Just belief lu I hind the barricade <k»o yards nway. the charity of Major March, the de l’nrry was the best marksman in the tachment marched out Into the hills, regiment aud, turning to ills chief olfi tiie ward of the company trudging cel, asked if lie should take a allot at bravely I -shle the tall and envied Mr. him Banseincr. v. ho, by the way, aside He fired, uml Pilar fell, face down from Is-ing politely attentive, did not ward, and the Americans crushed the exhibit any undue signs of exaltation. little band of Insurgents. Gregorio del The prasetn-e of a woman aud a I’llar wan dead. His death In the great very pretty one ut that, with a sad | hills, nfter a most courageous battle ness In her eyes that was appealing— against nn overwhelming fon t*, brought sened only to semi his thoughts to an end a life that would have hem bounding back to the girl he had left worth much to the Islnuds In after beh. id. Re grew more and more years. In ills pockets were found val morose aud silent as the day wore on. uable papers, lettern and keepsakes. At times the tired, lonely girl at Ills The lettern were from ills nw eel heart. side lagged uml east wondering, piteous Do lores Jose, who lived at Dagupan. glances at him. Iler woman's intui nml they were tender In the extreme. tion told her that this man did uot lx* Her lace handkerchief rented over his loug where lie was. It told her also heart. that he hail a secret and that one of When the Americana, victorious and tier sex was deeply Involved. Jubilant, fpll l*ack to camp, they had no The events of the next two weeks nmall nufnber of wounded to turn over are of small consequence In this nar to the tender mercies of the little com rative, which denis not so much with pany of Red Cross nurses and the sur the history and mystery of the cam geons. paign in the fall of 'BU as with the One of the moot dangerously Injured welfare and emotlous of a single sol wan Graydon Bansemer. He wan one dier at the front. Agulnaldo and I’llar of tin* first to crons the danger line. had tieconie refugees by this time, A Mauaer ball from a distant hill tore bunted and hounded from place to through his side, leading an ugly, gap place with relentless fervor. Pilar was ing wound that foretold certain death. somewhere in the hills with bis men. the pride of the Insurgent fureee; Aguinaldo's remnant had scurried off In another dleectlon, and General Tono wax on the coast with what whs of the scattered force The net about Gregorio del I’llar being drawn In and tightened, closing week In November saw driven to the last eitrrmlt, The trag edy of Tllad pass whs near at nsud Teresa Velasquez never falter»0, sev er tired. Hhe proved herself to ne do Incumbrance bay after day the off! cer in command expected the exiiedl tlon which would take her t*ack to Manila. Forces came up from the south, but none were ready to go back 8be wee an inspiration to the ramp. Men who bad forgotten their manners (Continued neit Saturday) oompbx>-i.v brushed them np and danced Httendance upon the gfrl in the M RM HIRE FOR THE Gt A RO. Filipino uniform Every man prayed for opportunity to do brave deeds, and when chance came she was permitted to witness beroism that savored of th** l»oyh**ed malady known as “showing off.” The reenrved but considerate Ranee- mcr Mas her ckeieat friend and confi dant. tine evening as they eat slrle by able watching the preparations for sui-pev she turner! suddenly and an need that site knew he was dying ove for some one. He started, ami hand trembled. ■Tell me about her," she corn ruan*! <1. There urs a piquancy, a gay Im •P S-'M in Fl''?*’’” *,•. W I ^l9D0
