secretly offered for the killing of General
Lawton. He knew all about it and confirmed the offer. She told him all
about her training as a marksman with the Spanish on Corregidor island
and of her subsequent experience, and said she knew General Lawton
well; that she could single him out, and in case he led his troops,
as he usually did in battle, she was sure she could capture the prize.

A place of unusual safety and concealment was selected along the
Filipinos' lines, directly in front of the center of the probable point
of attack by the Americans, for Marie, and for a Filipino lieutenant
and a corporal, both of whom were also good shots.

Geronemo had instructed them that Marie was to have the first three
shots at the general, in case he appeared on the scene of battle. If
she failed to hit him, the lieutenant was then to try it. After he
had taken three shots, if he, too, failed, the corporal was to be
given a chance.

The next morning, December 19, the American line of battle came out
of the woods on the opposite side of the valley, ready to charge on
the Filipinos' position. The morning was bright and clear, so that
General Lawton, with his tall figure, resplendent uniform and large
white helmet, could easily be discerned by the entire Filipino command.

"I'll fix him," whispered Marie, "just wait till the firing begins,
so that I can shoot without attracting attention to our position."

In a moment, the Filipinos opened fire on the Americans all along
the line. The latter sought cover. General Lawton remained erect. He
made an ideal target. Marie took careful aim. "Bang!" went her rifle,
and at that very moment this peerless leader of men, this hero of
several wars, was shot through the heart and fell dead in the arms
of his aide. His only words were, "I'm shot."

"See that! What did I tell you?" snapped out Marie, "I told you I'd
get him! Now for my dinero." (money).

The Americans were so angered because of the sudden death of their
beloved commander that they made a mad rush forward, without orders,
and swept the Filipino army from the field.

Marie returned to Manila where she claimed the reward for having shot
the general. The lieutenant who was with her claimed that he did it,
and by promising half of the bounty to the corporal for swearing to
the lie, he proved it. Meager reports of the affair state that only
$7000 of the money was actually paid over. Like Aguinaldo who crept
into a cave northwes