“The sign of giving his life to the cause,” Maria whispered. Then she stiffened and a stifled sob broke from between her clenched lips as the voice of the speaker filled the room. “Rodriguez has refused the summons. He is no longer our friend. He has gone over to the despised Americans. Through him our men were attacked and killed at Banate, and also at Binalbagan. He holds his servants from joining our cause only through fear. Once he is removed they will all join us.” “It is all untrue!” Maria’s voice, clear, low, and distinct, sounded through the room, and at once the assemblage was on its feet, gazing distrustfully at each other. Phil’s hand had grasped the girl’s arm with a grip of steel, fearing that in her indignation and anger she would expose herself to the view of these twoscore traitors. CHAPTER X IN THE SHADOW OF A SUSPICION Phil’s heart beat tumultuously as he laid a restraining hand on Maria’s arm to prevent her from rising up from the floor of the gallery. The instant the girl’s indignant, vibrating voice was heard an uncanny silence fell upon the masked men. Each looked fearfully at the other. Every man mistrusted his neighbor. The girl’s heavy breathing sounded ominously loud in the lad’s ears, and he was dumb with apprehension that she would sacrifice them all by a second outburst of passionate denial. They dared not move. There was naught to do but wait. If the society determined upon a search then their one chance was to make a dash for the passageway, and hold the angry men at bay with their revolvers. O’Neil and his five men were near the entrance, and Phil felt sure that their cause was not altogether desperate. After an interval that seemed hours the leader’s voice broke the heavy silence. “Who dared deny that Rodriguez has betrayed his people?” he cried. Phil’s strong fingers pressed firmly the girl’s arm and his eyes begged obedience. The masked men sat as if turned to stone. No sound broke the stillness. A loud knock on the door behind the speaker brought the assemblage to their feet in sudden fear. Phil saw that many had drawn their bolos, while others stood ready to extinguish the long rows of candles. A challenge was called and answered, and the next second the door was opened from within and a native entered. Phil beheld in admiration the air of grace and fearlessness while he advanced boldly toward the startled leader. A smothered exclamation from Maria caused the lad’s eyes to travel quickly to her face. She was staring, a horrible dread stamped on her face, while she murmured in a trembling voice: “Mi Padre!” So this was Juan Rodriguez, who had been denounced but a moment since by the terrible Katipunan society, come to answer in person to the charge! Another native followed him closely; neither were masked, and Phil recognized, in startled wonder, Colonel Martinez.