“I am just from Matiginao,” he replied. “I came for fresh meat. To forage on your father’s land.” The smile died on Maria’s face, but luckily the native had withdrawn his eyes and was regarding closely the young men before him. Maria felt that the Filipino officer must know of her father’s enmity to his new leader, Espinosa. Then as the native’s eyes again traveled to her face the smile reappeared. “I see all white men are to you Americans. These señores are my guests. I vouch for them,” she told him in a confiding voice. “It was a natural mistake for you to make, Señor----” she stopped questioningly, and he supplied the name. “Salas, colonel in the Filipino army, señorita, at your service,” he said bowing gallantly. Maria had not guessed at the officer’s identity although she knew most of the important leaders, having known them as a girl at her father’s house before the war had begun. Now the mention of his name almost made her heart stop beating. This frail creature, with the face and figure of a boy, was feared by all who had fallen under his control. He had won the unenviable reputation of being the most cruel of the insurgent leaders, first in Luzon under Aguinaldo and then on the island of Kapay. He was scarcely older than Phil, and yet he held the rank of colonel. “Your name, señor,” she smiled, “is one well known throughout Kapay. In appearance you are not the ogre that you are painted.” Colonel Salas’ white, even teeth gleamed between his thin lips. He felt himself the master of the situation. Here was the proud daughter of Rodriguez complimenting him. His small soul was nourished by the thought that he was feared by all. “Then, señorita,” he said, “if you do not consider me an ogre, will you and your English friends accept the offer of a share in my frugal meal? It is now ready inside.” The midshipmen had watched with beating hearts this plucky girl’s brave fence with the subtle native and as he pronounced the word English he glanced at the silent lads. Phil thought he saw a gleam of joy in his cruel eyes.