officer and the leader of the detachment, and his sudden taking-off
disconcerted the insurgents for a minute, who yelled one to another
that their leader was shot. Taking advantage of the confusion, our
friends rushed headlong through the cane-brake, firing several times
as they ran. A dozen shots answered them, but none of these took
effect.

"I think the road is yonder," said Ben, pointing with his pistol as
they progressed. "Hark!"

From a distance came a scattering volley, proving that the fighting
was not yet over. It came from the direction in which they were
running. But now those left behind were after them, shooting and
shouting with vigor, for they were ten to two, and were determined
that the wicked _Americanos_ should not escape their clutches.

At last the cane-brake was left behind. Beyond was a small part of a
rice-field, and close by a cottage which appeared deserted.

"Sure, captain, an' we'll be shot down like dogs if we show ourselves
in th' open," panted Casey, who was almost out of breath.

"Get behind the house," answered Ben. "It is our one chance," and he
started in advance. Again the Filipinos fired on them, and this time a
bullet touched the young captain's side, cutting a straight hole
through his clothing.

They were yet a hundred feet from the cottage when two American
soldiers came rushing forth, guns in hand. The strangers took in the
situation at a glance, and let drive with such good aim that two of
the enemy fell back wounded. The others paused, not knowing how many
Americans might be concealed in the building, and in another minute
Ben and Casey were for the time being safe.

"By gum, ef it ain't Captain Russell!" cried one of the soldiers, as
he faced Ben. "I'm right glad to be yere to help ye, cap'n," and he
smiled broadly.

"Ralph Sorrel!" returned Ben, as he recognized the tall Tennesseean
who had once accompanied him on a search for Gilbert when the young
Southerner was missing. "What are you doing here?"

"Jeming an' me hev got a wounded man with us--Sergeant Kaser o' our
company. We war takin' him back o' the lines, when he got so bad we
brung him in yere to rest a spell. But you--"

"Thim rebels is comin' agin!" announced Dan Casey. "Six, eight, nine
av thim, wid wan limpin'. How many av us are there here?" he asked, as
he looked around.

"Four," answered Ben. "Load up, boys, and when you shoot--"

"We'll make every shot tell," answered Jeming, a hardy-looking
s