fter
a small skirmish at Tuliahan River. From here the column moved to
Norzagaray to await reenforcements which were coming in from Malolos
and vicinity. To these reenforcements belonged the command to which
Ben and Gilbert were attached.

It had begun to rain, and those who understood tropical weather
predicted that the wet season was at hand. Yet it was very hot, and
the water which fell arose in clouds of steam on the road, rendering
marching anything but comfortable.

"Sure, an' it makes a man feel as if he was takin' a stame bath, so it
does," remarked Dan Casey, as he swung along on the route step. "I
don't know as I iver see it rain hot wather before, bedad," he added,
as he wiped the perspiration from his sadly freckled face.

During the day's march, which was trying to everybody, Ben was silent,
wondering what had become of Larry and if he would ever again see his
younger brother. When the command went into camp under the shelter of
a grove of tall trees, both Gilbert and Major Morris visited his tent
to comfort him.

"He is not the only one who is missing," remarked the major of the
first battalion. "So far I understand the warships have lost about a
dozen men who went ashore and failed to return. And you know there are
six men missing from our own regiment."

"That is true, major," was the acting captain's answer. "But it's only
when it's a close relative that the blow really comes home to one, you
know."

"I suppose that is true, captain. But don't be disheartened. It may
be that your brother is already back at Manila."

"I can't see what the rebels would do with him as a prisoner," said
Gilbert. "They have to move around so lively that I can't see what
they want with prisoners anyway."

And so the talk ran on until it came time to retire. That night Ben
slept but little, and it was not the rain or the aching of his wound
that kept him awake either. He was bound to think of Larry constantly
until something was heard of the missing lad.

CHAPTER X

THE TAKING OF ANGAT

"We are out for a fight to-day."

It was Sergeant Gilmore who spoke, and he addressed Ben. The sergeant
was still acting as first lieutenant of Company D, and it looked as if
he might hold the position permanently. As for Ben, it was settled
that he would be appointed permanent captain of the command as soon as
the necessary papers could be made out.

The regiment had joined General Lawton's command and was now in the