betting on him for the first chevrons and
speedy commission.

All that his few intimates, the one or two who claimed to know him,
could be induced to admit was that his real name was not Benton, and
that he had enlisted utterly against the wishes of his kindred. And so,
regulars and volunteers alike, they thronged the open _patio_ and all
approaches thereto, and no officer would now suggest that that court
be cleared. It was best that "Thinking Bayonets" should be there to hear
and see for himself.

"No, indeed, don't do anything of the kind," said the general promptly
when asked half-hesitatingly by the captain of the guard whether he
preferred to exclude the men. And in this unusual presence the brief,
straightforward examination went on.

First to tell his tale was the corporal of the second relief. He had
posted his men between 8.30 and 8.45, Private Benton on Number 6 at the
corner of the Calle Real and Padre Faura. That post had been chosen for
him as being not very far away from that of the guard, as the young
"feller" had not entirely recovered his strength, and the officer of the
day had expressed some regret at his having so soon attempted to resume
duty, but Benton had laughingly said that he was "all right" and he
didn't mean to have other men doing sentry go for him.

"Soon after nine," said the corporal, "I went round warning all the
sentries to look out for the tall Filipino and short, squat American, as
directed by the officer of the guard. The officer of the guard himself
went round about that time personally cautioning the sentries. There was
a good deal of fun and excitement just then down the street. Number 9 in
the Calle Nueve had shot twice at some fleeing natives who nearly upset
him as they dashed round the corner from the Bagumbayan, and he had
later mistaken Colonel Brent in his white suit for a Filipino and
nervously fired. Numbers 7 and 8 in the side streets mistook the
shooting for fire alarm, and Private Benton repeated, in accordance with
his orders, but when I (the corporal) saw him he was laughing to kill
himself over the Manila fire department."

Benton didn't seem much impressed at first about the thief and the
deserter, but towards 9.45, when the corporal again visited his post and
the streets were getting quiet, Benton said there were some natives in
the second house across the way whose movements puzzled him. They kept
coming to the front door and windows and peeping out at hi