The Major studied the end of his cigar. "He never reports anything like that," he admitted. "I'm glad you told me." "You'll hear plenty more such--" Cochran began, but was interrupted by the loud entrance of little Casey. He tore into the room, breezy, voluble, greeting every one with short, jerky sentences. He reached the Major last. "Hello, Major! How's everything? I passed Lieutenant Terry on the trail--three miles out--he was leading his pony--said it was lame though it hardly limped at all! Tried to get him to mount and ride in with me--but he wouldn't--sure and he's the merciful man to beasts!" He rambled on till the Major interrupted him with: "How are the breeding experiments coming on, Casey? Any foals yet--or pigs?" The little man disregarded the amused grin of the planters, pouring forth in long eulogy of American mares and boar. "You come down to my place in about two weeks," he wound up at last, "and I'll show you! I'll have some cross-bred colts and pigs worth the seeing--and I'm going to name the first one after Terry!" "First pig?" Cochran seemed serious. "No--first colt--the first pig I'll name for you!" Soon the Major left Casey capably sparring with the plaguing Cochran, and seated himself on a broad window ledge above the dark plaza, smoking thoughtfully. He had made no mistake in sending Terry here. Three phonographs strove against each other from different houses along the plaza. It is characteristic of the Americans in the Philippines that most of them take unto their bosoms these mechanical comforts, instead of the animated talking machines which the Spaniards affected. The sky was black with the threat of rain, low thunder rumbled in the west, above Apo. A few minutes, and the Major distinguished two forms making their way along the north side of the dark plaza and as they passed under one of the oil park-lamps he recognized Terry, leading a weary pony which limped slightly. As the Major secured his cap and waved a cheery goodnight to the gathering, Lindsey hurried to the door to intercept him. "Major, Lieutenant Terry promised to come over to my place to-morrow afternoon. We were going to have a drive against the wild pigs--they've been raising the devil with my young plants. You will come along with him, won't you?" "You bet! I haven't had any shooting in months. But you won't let that big snake get me, will you?" Chuckling, he left the club and crossed the plaza to Terry's quarters. Entering, he heard Terry splashing under the shower. Terry emerged soon, kimono clad, his face lighted hospitably when he spied the Major sitting by the lamp-lit table. Dressed, Terry ate and listened while the Major smoked and talked. "Lieutenant," he finally remarked, "there is no more trouble among the Bogobos?" "No, sir. It has stopped--as I reported to you." The Major regarded him closely: "What stopped it?" "I just talked to some of the planters, and they understood."