t and was given his father's company.

His regiment gradually fell back into the interior as the Americans
advanced. Nothing but tales of brigandage, rapacity, and cruelty were
heard of the actions of the enemy.

Driven beyond San Fernando de Pampanga, Aguinaldo established his
headquarters at Tarlac, and determined to make a final stand; here
taking oath that he would take the city of San Fernando inside of a
week or lose every man in his command in the attempt.

Then followed the attack in which Benito was wounded. From what he had
heard, he expected the Captain's sword to run him through; or worse,
be taken alive and afterward subjected to the cruelty of the "Yankee"
soldiery, or sold as a slave and shipped to the States.

Now he had seen with his own eyes the benign attitude of his former
enemy. His connection with the rebellion had ended.

Sever offered to employ him as his valet.

The beaming fellow arose, bowing obsequiously, and replied: "As you
wish, Capitan."

From that moment his bearing and actions changed from those of a
friend to those of a servant.

Benito proved a model valet. His master's wants were anticipated; his
shoes looked more like mirrors than prosaic foot-gear, and his clothes
were always neatly pressed and immaculately clean. The culinary was
not neglected. It was soon noised about the regiment that Sever was
the best groomed and fed officer in the Division.

Then came the time when the wily little rebels cut the railroad
and telegraph communications, and there was no intercourse with
Manila. The morning after this occurrence there was noticeable the
absence of Filipino venders of bananas, eggs, and other edibles on
the streets of San Fernando. This always meant an early attack. To
Sever the most ominous thing was the disappearance that night of his
trusted valet, Benito. But he refused to believe that he had turned
traitor; he vowed the native would duly appear in time.

Early that evening orders came from regimental headquarters to
strengthen the outposts, especially those of the north--the point
always the object of attack of the insurgents.

The south line was reenforced by Captain Sever's company alone. He
arrived there about dark, and soon made a careful disposition of his
men, personally superintending the placing of each man.

Then came that extreme darkness known only to sentries on posts in
tropical countries.

While not expecting an attack from the south, Sever's men