d out parties for help.

Pershing's information soon proved to be correct. After a few days, in
small detachments the Moros did their utmost to gain the open jungle by
dashing through the surrounding lines. But every dash was frustrated,
although the fanatical fighters recklessly threw themselves into what
was certain death. The failure of one band to break through was merely a
clarion call to others of their fellows to renew the attempt. The mad
and useless efforts were all baffled.

At last on Christmas Day, 1911, the Moros in the little fortress did
what Moros had not done before,--they marched down the mountain side and
surrendered,--that is, all did save a few who made a final wild attempt
to break through the jungle. The effort was vain, however, for the
regulars hotly pursued the little brown fighters and the desperadoes
paid the penalty of their daring.

A second fortress was taken in a similar manner. But the leader was as
wise as he was brave and determined. After he had permitted the
knowledge of the fall of the first forts to be carried throughout the
tribe, soon after the beginning of the siege, he sent a message within
the third fort that the inmates, if they surrendered, would receive the
same generous treatment the defenders of the other forts had received.

Soon the brown fighters were convinced and promptly acted accordingly.
They discovered that they were dealing with a leader different from any
they had previously known. He did exactly what he said he would do. His
promise could be trusted. His word was reliable; and forty forts soon
were given over to the Americans.

The subjection of all the Moros, however, had not yet been accomplished.
Some still distrusted the white men and, as they believed, fought to
retain and defend their homes. At last, however, at the Battle of Bagsag
in June, 1913, the task was completed, though Pershing's work was not
yet all done. What he had believed to be only a temporary task had now
assumed larger and longer proportions. He had done so well that he was
retained not only in command but also was the governor of the newly
conquered, but not yet friendly province. Perhaps there is no better
proof of the ability and sterling character of General Pershing anywhere
to be found than the fact that the little brown Moros whom he defeated
and overthrew, later made him a datto of their tribe--an official
position that granted him full power of life and death over every man,