at first. But he wasn't when I left. They moved some of the
prisoners away, and he was among them. So he was your brother? That
beats all, doesn't it--to think I should fall in with you in such a
place as this!"

CHAPTER XX

THE ADVANCE UPON MAASIN

Ben was much surprised and also delighted to learn that Barton
Brownell had met Larry, and he lost no time in questioning the escaped
soldier regarding his missing brother.

"Yes, your brother was with me about two weeks," said Barton Brownell.
"He came up with a detachment of rebels from the Laguna de Bay, after
General Lawton left that territory."

"And was he well, or had he been wounded?"

"He was suffering from a cut in the head. A Spaniard had kicked
him--and, yes, he told me it was a Spaniard that you and he were after
for having robbed a bank of some money."

"Benedicto Lupez!" ejaculated Ben, more astonished than ever.

"That's the name. Your brother had run across that man and his brother
at Santa Cruz, and he was trying to make this Benedicto Lupez a
prisoner, when the brother kicked him in the head, and then both of
them ran away, and when your brother realized what was going on again
he found himself a prisoner. He was taken to a camp near the north
shore of the Laguna de Bay, and afterward transferred to the cave
where I was held."

"I am thankful that he is alive," murmured the young captain, and
breathed silent thanks to God for His mercy. "Do you know where they
took Larry to?"

"I can't say exactly, but I know that a great many of the rebels are
retreating to the mountains back of San Isidro. I wouldn't be
surprised to hear of Aguinaldo making his final stand there."

"I would give all I am worth to gain my brother his liberty."

"And I reckon he would give all he is worth to escape," rejoined
Brownell. "The boys hate to be kept prisoners, and try all sorts of
devices to get away. One fellow had some gold hidden on his person and
tried to bribe a guard with it. But the guard only laughed at him and
stole the money."

"Of course you do not know what became of Benedicto Lupez and his
brother."

"No, your brother knew nothing further than that they ran off after
the assault on him," concluded Brownell.

The talking had somewhat exhausted the wounded man and Ben forbore to
question him further just then. While Barton Brownell rested easily on
some moss, the young captain turned to the commander of the first
battalion.

"What shall