tter in which the native general congratulated his
friend on his success in leading the reenforcements and in capturing
the prisoners, and gave express instructions that the latter should be
treated with all consideration. The carriers were commanded by a native
lieutenant, who insisted that the prisoners should share equally with
the native troops, and saw to it personally that Sam and his friends
were served. His kindness cut Sam to the heart. After a few hours'
delay the expedition set out again, and on the following day it reached
the mountain village where Gomaldo had established himself.

Gomaldo's body-guard, composed of fifty troops neatly dressed in white
uniforms, were drawn up to receive them, and the whole population
greeted them with joy. Gomaldo himself stood on the veranda of his
house, and, after saluting the expedition, invited the native officers
who were to betray him in to dinner. At this moment Keene whispered to
Sam and the latter signaled to the native officer, Gomaldo's
treacherous friend who was in charge of him, and this man gave an order
in a low voice, whereupon the whole expedition discharged their rifles,
and half-a-dozen of the body-guard fell to the ground. In the mean time
two of the native officers threw their arms round Gomaldo and took him
prisoner, and his partizans were seized with a panic. Sam took command
of his men, who outnumbered the loyal natives, and in a few minutes he
had unchallenged control of the post without losing a single man,
killed or wounded. Gomaldo was intensely excited and upbraided Sam
bitterly when taken before him, but upon being promised good treatment
he became more tractable. Sam gave orders that the villagers should
bury the dead, among whom he regretted to see the body of the native
lieutenant who had brought him food when they were starving; and then,
after a rest of several hours, the expedition set out on the return
journey, Gomaldo and his men accompanying it as prisoners.

The news of the capture preceded the party, and when, after a march of
several days, they arrived at Havilla, Sam was received as a conquering
hero by the army. Cleary took the first opportunity to grasp his hand.

"Is it really a great and noble act?" Sam whispered. "I suppose it is,
for everybody says so, but somehow it has left a bad taste in my mouth,
and I can't bear the sight of that fellow Keene."

"Never mind," said Cleary. "You won't h