t encountered on
the road. With the water behind them, escape was out of the question,
for a jump back into the river would have courted a fire which must
have resulted in death.

"_Americanos!_" muttered one of the rebels, drawing closer. "And
sailors, not soldiers," he added, in his native tongue. "Where did you
come from?"

Larry and Luke shook their heads. "Talk United States and we'll speak
to you," said the old sailor.

"You gif up?" demanded an under officer, as he pushed his way forward,
with his pistol covering Larry's heart.

"Ain't nuthin' else to do, I reckon," replied Luke, before Larry could
answer. He was afraid the boy might be rash and try running away
again.

"Throw down de pistoles, den," muttered the Tagal, with an ugly
frown.

Down went the weapons on the ground, and then two of the rebels
advanced to search them. They found nothing of special value excepting
the pair's jack-knives, and these were confiscated and turned over to
the officer in command.

The prisoners were then told to march up the river shore to a road
leading into Santa Cruz. With their hands bound tightly behind them,
they were placed in charge of a detail of four Filipinos, who were
instructed to take them without delay before the general in charge of
the city's defences.

"They may hold information of importance," said the under officer.
"Do not delay a minute;" and off went the crowd, the soldiers prodding
the prisoners with their bayonets whenever Larry and Luke did not walk
fast enough to suit them.

The course taken was through a narrow and exceedingly dirty street. It
was after midnight, yet the expected attack of the Americans had kept
all the inhabitants awake. The prisoners were jeered at repeatedly,
and at one point were covered with a shower of mud and stale
vegetables. The onslaught might have been more serious had not the
soldiers interfered.

"Get back, you dogs," shouted the leader, a little Tagal scarcely five
feet in height, but with an air of magnificent importance. "These men
are to go before the general, and at once!" And much abashed the
natives fell back, and the prisoners were molested no further.

It would naturally be supposed that the general in command would be
found at the front at such a time, when an attack on the city was but
a matter of a few hours. Instead, however, General Bamodo was found at
one of the government buildings, calmly smoking a cigar, and
conversing with several nati