Both men shrugged their shoulders. "I'm afraid he fell over the cliff," said Boxer. "You see, the footpath was narrow and mighty slippery in spots." At once Ben's mind went back to that scene in far-away Cuba, when Gerald Holgait had fallen over a cliff. Had a similar fate overtaken his brother? and if so, was he still alive or had he been dashed to his death? "How far is that spot from here?" he demanded abruptly. "Not over a mile, cap'n," answered Boxer. "I see you are a scout. Can you take me to the place?" "Certainly--but--but--it's mighty risky, cap'n--so many rebs lurking about." "Never mind--I must find Larry, alive or dead. Take me to him, and I'll pay you well for your services." "I ain't asking a cent, cap'n--that ain't my style." "Then you will take me?" "I will," said Boxer, promptly. "Only I'll have to report first and get official permission." "Major Morris will arrange that for you, I feel certain," answered Ben, turning to the major, who sat near, drinking in the conversation. "Yes, I'll arrange that," said the major. "But I don't see how I am going to do without you, captain." "Would you keep me from looking for my brother?" "No, no, go ahead, and Gilmore can take the company." So it was arranged; and inside of quarter of an hour Ben and Boxer were ready to depart. "Captain, can't I go with ye?" It was Luke Striker who asked the question. The anxious look on his face spoke more eloquently than words, and Ben consented without argument. And so the three set off on the search for Larry, little dreaming of the strange happenings in store for them. CHAPTER XXIX LARRY IS SENTENCED TO BE SHOT To go back to Larry, at the time mentioned by Dan Leroy, when the boy had been following the old sailor and the scout along the cliff overlooking the valley in which both the Filipino and the American troops were encamped. The adventures in the swamp had been exceedingly tiring, and the youth could scarcely drag one foot after the other, as the party of three hurried along over rocks and through thickets which at certain points seemed almost impassible. "O dear! I'll be glad when this day's tramp comes to an end," he thought. "I wonder how far the American camp is from here?" He tried to look across the valley, but there was a bluish vapor hanging over trees and brush which shut off a larger portion of the view. The party had been walking over a trail which now brought them directly to the edge of the cliff. Here the footpath was scarcely two feet wide, and was backed up by high rocks and thorn bushes, around which it was difficult to climb without injury. The men were as tired as the boy, and it must be confessed that for a half hour or more they paid little attention to Larry. Gradually the youth lagged behind, until those ahead were lost to view around a sharp turn of the cliff.