ook hands. "It's been a long running
fight to-day," he added. "Where is your command?"

"That remains to be found out," answered Ben. "Have you seen any of
them during the last two hours? I and one of my men became separated
from them in the cane-brakes."

"I guess you'll find them up near Baliuag. Most of the troops are up
there. But I wouldn't try going around by this road, for the rebels
are scattered in small bands all over this territory. You'll find the
main road all right."

"What will you do with these prisoners?"

"Take them up to the main road and send to the colonel for orders."

"Then I will go with you," said Ben, and spoke to the others about it.
Soon the whole party was on the way, Sorrel and Jeming carrying the
dead form of Sergeant Kaser between them, with Casey trudging near to
give them a lift whenever necessary.

It was now growing dark, and looked as if a thunderstorm was at
hand. Seeing this, the detachment pushed forward rapidly, until at
last the main road was gained. Here, from one of the drivers of a
quartermaster's turnout, they learned that Ben's regiment had gone
into temporary camp on the outskirts of the town of Baliuag, which was
a mile further on. A number of Americans were missing, having
become lost in a manner similar to Ben and Casey.

The young captain now lost no time in marching forward once more, and
reached his regiment in less than half an hour. He found his company
in charge of Gilmore. Many had given him up for dead, and they were
delighted at his reappearance.

"We can't do without you," said the acting first lieutenant. And as he
shook hands his honest face showed that he meant what he said.

"And I don't know that I can do without my company," replied Ben.
"Anyway, I'm awfully glad to be back. In the future, I must be a
little more careful about keeping the boys in sight."

CHAPTER XVI

NEWS FROM HOME

It was evident that the majority of the insurgents had now had enough
of fighting, for while the engagement just mentioned was taking place,
General Luna of the Filipinos sent forward his chief of staff to
General MacArthur, with a request that hostilities cease, pending a
conference of Americans and Filipinos looking toward a settlement of
existing difficulties.

But our leaders knew only too well what delay meant, and refused to
enter into any compact unless the natives first threw down their arms.
The Filipinos wanted their freedom, but events had