"Well, my brother can't run, so perhaps it will be just as well if you take a scout around and see if the coast is clear," said Ben. "Certainly, cap'n." And Boxer made off without delay, moving through the jungle and along the stream as silently as some wild animal in search of its prey. Fifteen minutes and more passed, and they began to wonder when the scout would come back, when a low whistle reached their ears. "It's all right," came from Boxer. "Nobody in sight?" questioned Ben. "Nary a reb, cap'n." "I'm glad of it," put in Larry, with a sigh of relief. "I never want to fall in with them again!" And he shuddered. He would never forget how close he had been to death at their hands. They came down the tree, and after a drink from the stream, set out again, this time following the watercourse over the rocks until the cliff was left behind. Here they struck a bit of marsh and had to make a detour, finally coming out, much to their surprise, on what appeared to be a regular highway through the forest. "Now, if we only knew where this leads to," cried Ben. "I reckon it leads to San Isidro," came from Boxer. "But we may be a good number of mil--" "Look! look!" ejaculated Striker, pointing up the road. "The rebels, as sure as you air born! An' they air comin' about a thousand strong, too. Boys, we air lost!" CHAPTER XXXI THE FALL OF SAN ISIDRO--CONCLUSION Luke Striker was right; a large force of Filipinos were sweeping down the road at a rapid rate, bringing with them two old field-pieces and a rapid-firing gun. They were commanded by several officers on horseback, and presented a formidable appearance to the worn-out Americans. "Out of sight, quick!" The cry came from Ben. "It's our only chance to escape." The words had scarcely left his lips when the pop-pop of several Mausers was heard, as the Filipino sharpshooters, who were in advance of the main body, opened fire upon them. Their aim was excellent, and both Striker and Boxer were hit, although neither seriously. "They've caught me!" ejaculated the old sailor, and staggered up against Ben. At the same time Boxer pitched headlong. "Oh, Luke!" The call came from Larry, who was limping painfully. "Where did they hit you? This is the worst of all!" "I'm struck in the shoulder. But come, Ben is right. To the jungle!" And Striker clutched Larry's hand in a death-like grip, bound to live or die with his closest friend, as the case might be. The pair started forward. Ben hesitated and looked at Boxer, and saw the latter try to stagger up once more. "He's not dead," thought the young captain, and picked the sharpshooter up. In a few seconds more the whole party were in the jungle again. But the Filipinos were not going to let them escape thus easily, and coming up on the double-quick, a detachment began to search the bushes, at the same time calling on the Americans to surrender if they wanted to save their lives.