rather
ungracefully, but soon gathered himself into military shape and
smartly saluted "Bill," saying: "Sir, the Commanding Officer presents
his compliments and directs that at twelve o'clock to-night you take a
non-commissioned officer and fourteen privates of your company and make
a thorough reconnaissance of the grounds between here and the enemy's
position on the south, and determine if possible their whereabouts,
strength, and probable intention; and report to him immediately on
your return."

His message delivered, the dashing young officer remounted and rode
rapidly back to headquarters.

Van Osdol slowly ran his freckled fingers through his auburn locks,
and gave a shrill whistle, his signal for his first sergeant to report
to him. That worthy of multitudinous duties immediately appeared and
received orders to arrange the detail for the reconnaissance duty.

The night was blindingly dark. There was a density to the darkness
that almost excluded the penetration of thought. The mind could pass
no farther than the immediate vicinity. Since the sun had set a thick
layer of clouds had lined the canopy of heaven, veiling the winks of
the brightest stars and the benignant light of the moon.

Sergeant Schriner, with soldierly punctuality, reported with the
detail just as the sentry over the rifle-stacks at the church called
in a subdued voice the hour of twelve.

The little party promptly started on its hazardous mission, feeling
its way through the matted bamboo jungles fringing the station--the
officer leading, the sergeant and men following in "goose formation,"
single-file; each keeping in touch with the person before him.

The advance was slow, for during the day the border around the
place was almost impenetrable--the darkness served to multiply the
difficulties.

It was a night to try men's souls. Bolo parties frequently lay in
ambush in these places of perfect hiding, and suddenly pounced upon
the unsuspecting Americanos, and cut them to pieces before a hand
could be raised in defense.

Or there was the possibility of receiving a volley at close range;
for it was known that at night the Tagalos invariably approached nearer
our lines. Since they had so mysteriously disappeared during the day,
there was a strong probability that they would take up a new position
that night. Where, no one knew.

Lonely huts, amid vines and bamboo, that had been deserted when the
place fell into our hands, were frequentl