"He was, at first. But he wasn't when I left. They moved some of the prisoners away, and he was among them. So he was your brother? That beats all, doesn't it--to think I should fall in with you in such a place as this!" CHAPTER XX THE ADVANCE UPON MAASIN Ben was much surprised and also delighted to learn that Barton Brownell had met Larry, and he lost no time in questioning the escaped soldier regarding his missing brother. "Yes, your brother was with me about two weeks," said Barton Brownell. "He came up with a detachment of rebels from the Laguna de Bay, after General Lawton left that territory." "And was he well, or had he been wounded?" "He was suffering from a cut in the head. A Spaniard had kicked him--and, yes, he told me it was a Spaniard that you and he were after for having robbed a bank of some money." "Benedicto Lupez!" ejaculated Ben, more astonished than ever. "That's the name. Your brother had run across that man and his brother at Santa Cruz, and he was trying to make this Benedicto Lupez a prisoner, when the brother kicked him in the head, and then both of them ran away, and when your brother realized what was going on again he found himself a prisoner. He was taken to a camp near the north shore of the Laguna de Bay, and afterward transferred to the cave where I was held." "I am thankful that he is alive," murmured the young captain, and breathed silent thanks to God for His mercy. "Do you know where they took Larry to?" "I can't say exactly, but I know that a great many of the rebels are retreating to the mountains back of San Isidro. I wouldn't be surprised to hear of Aguinaldo making his final stand there." "I would give all I am worth to gain my brother his liberty." "And I reckon he would give all he is worth to escape," rejoined Brownell. "The boys hate to be kept prisoners, and try all sorts of devices to get away. One fellow had some gold hidden on his person and tried to bribe a guard with it. But the guard only laughed at him and stole the money." "Of course you do not know what became of Benedicto Lupez and his brother." "No, your brother knew nothing further than that they ran off after the assault on him," concluded Brownell. The talking had somewhat exhausted the wounded man and Ben forbore to question him further just then. While Barton Brownell rested easily on some moss, the young captain turned to the commander of the first battalion. "What shall we do next, major?" "I think we had better be getting back," was the ready answer. "The sooner we report to the colonel the better he will be pleased." "I feel like pushing right through to San Isidro, on a hunt for my brother." "It would be a foolish movement, captain, for, unless I am greatly mistaken, the insurgents have a large force in front of us, and to attempt breaking through would be taking a big risk. Be thankful that your brother is safe thus far. As long as he remains quiet I don't think the rebels will harm him."