Tomas, the Filipinos
set fire to the town and fled. They were pursued with vigor, and
attempted to burn San Fernando late that night, but failed to do so.

Early in the morning the fighting was renewed, and near San Fernando
another battle took place. But the rebels were disheartened by the
defeat at St. Tomas, and were soon on the run, and General Hale drove
them a mile beyond San Fernando. In taking possession of the town it
was found that several of the public buildings were in ruins. The
defensive works here were very strong, and had the Filipinos stood up
to their work like real fighters, they might have held the position
for a long time.

On Saturday, May the 6th, Ben's command moved forward again, down the
hill into Maasin, now patrolled by Americans, and then to the main
road beyond.

"I don't believe we are in for much of a fight to-day," remarked
the young captain to Gilmore, who had now been appointed first
lieutenant.

"I reckon you are right," answered Gilmore. "The scouts haven't found
any rebels within a mile."

"It would almost seem as if we could march straight through to San
Isidro," went on Ben, thoughtfully. "I must say I never heard of such
a campaign."

"They say General Lawton puts it down as a regular Indian campaign.
But then the rebels don't do much fighting in the dark."

"They are sick of it, Gilmore. I believe they would give up in a
minute if the leaders were only assured that they would come out
whole, as the saying goes."

"Well, they've gone too far to come out whole, captain. General
Aguinaldo may mean well, but he never went at this thing right. He
ought to know that he isn't dealing with some third-rate power."

On went the regiment, about four hundred and fifty strong now, for
men were dropping out every day on account of fever and other tropical
troubles. Ben had had a little fever himself, but had dosed himself
with quinine before it had a chance to permeate his system and bring
him down on his back.

The advance led the regiment along a small stream lined with fading
flowers and wild plantains and the ever present thorns and trailing
vines. Birds were numerous, and here and there a sporting soldier
could not resist the temptation to bring one of the feathered tribe
down, to be cooked at the next resting place. Once the regiment
stirred up a flock of wild turkeys, and a charge was made to capture
the prizes, a charge that was as enthusing as one on the rebels.
Soldie