"chain of silence," save the
rippling of the waters in the lake below.

But even a sleep such as this, under such unusual and unaccommodating
circumstances, has an unwelcomed limit, and ours came with the first
streaks of grey dawn that broke through our foliaged canopied beds, and
again each soldier of American loyalty began to kindle his fire, with
which to cook his breakfast, for on such occasions as this each soldier
is his own cook, waiter, and dishwasher combined.

Soon after breakfast the real work of opening the trail began, rifles
were quickly supplanted by shovels, picks and axes, and in a very few
moments every soldier was equipped with tools, which they began to use
with unanimous energy and willingness during the greater part of the
day. And it was truly wonderful to see those brave soldiers working
untiringly, chopping heavy trees, digging and filling deep ravines,
leveling stout barricades, all working diligently for that one aim which
was to be the downfall of Maciu.

This work was kept up unceasingly until the passage or trail was opened
to the Maciu peninsula, a distance of two miles. It was the afternoon of
the second day, which was the 30th of September, before we finally
reached our destination, where there was an unexpected surprise in store
for us.

FIRED UPON.

The natives, having known that our object was to cross through this
skirt of woodland, had awaited our arrival on the opposite side. And as
soon as the first file of the "advance guard" passed from the woods into
the open plain beyond, they met with a storm of bullets from the enemy.
They then moved forward into the open beyond as quickly as possible,
after which they unanimously returned the enemy's fire. The firing was
fast, and not without effect, for ere the gloom of night began to
descend upon us, many a native of Mindanao had sacrificed his
semi-barbarous life for his freedom.

It now began to grow dark, and fearing lest we should be overtaken by
the shadows of night in the dense woods, Captain Pershing gave orders to
the column to return to Bayubao for the night.

The trail, our most important obstruction, was now cleared and it was
with impatience and sleepless expectancy we awaited the first glimmer of
dawn. At last came the day when the true, fearless soldiers were to
march against Maciu's tribe. We shared together a hurried breakfast and
about 7 a.m. we advanced under the cool shadows of the interwoven
foliage, over m