he officers save Ray were now out on the veranda of the
building.

Two more shots sounded, close together. Then came a light volley,
sounding lighter still.

"It may be that Sergeant Terry is having trouble in town," muttered
Captain Cortland, wholly alert in a second. "In any case we must let
these Moros see a show of military force. Freeman, detail thirty of your
men and let Lieutenant Holmes march them into Bantoc in quick time. Each
man to carry fifty rounds of ammunition."

"Very good, sir.

"Lieutenant Holmes, you will go first of all to Cerverra's shop, unless
the firing seems to be in another direction. But remember that if
trouble breaks loose we will take care of it from here, and that your
essential orders are not changed until you receive them from me, or from
your company commander."

"Very good, sir," replied young Holmes, saluting.

Freeman and his second lieutenant hurried away to execute the orders
without loss of time.

At the sound of the shots many of the men from barracks had run out into
the street to see if they could find any explanation of the hostile
sounds.

"Second platoon, C Company, fall in!" rang the order, repeated three or
four times.

That caught several of the curious ones in the street, calling them to
the parade ground.

Acting First Sergeant Hal Overton, B Company, was among those in the
street. And he was the first to catch sight of a horse coming up the
road at a wavering gallop.

"We'll soon know," the Army boy called to those nearest him. "This looks
like a messenger coming."

The man who was astride the horse, and who was attired in white duck
blouse and trousers, was bending forward over the neck of the animal.

"Second platoon, fall in!" rang Greg Holmes's command on the parade
ground, showing how quickly military orders may be carried out.

"The messenger is bleeding," cried Hal. "I can see the stains on his
white clothing. And the horse has been hit, too!"

"Trouble with a big 'T,'" muttered Private Kelly.

Sergeant Hal said no more. He walked quickly down the road as horse and
rider drew nearer. The mount was running more feebly now. Fifty feet
away from the young sergeant the animal pitched suddenly, staggered,
then fell.

For an instant it looked as though the rider would also be stretched in
the dust. Then he recovered, leaped painfully away from the horse--and
just then Hal Overton reached and caught him.

"Shall I carry you, friend?" demanded