"So we have; an' I move we sit down an' eat a bite o' the stew. Maybe eatin' will put some new ideas into our heads." "I'd rather wait until we gain the open air." "But we can't make it--yet--so be content, lad. It's something to know thet the blue sky is beyond." They sat down, and soon finished one-half of what remained of the mess in the kettle. Never had anything tasted sweeter, and it was only by the exercise of the greatest self-control that they kept back a portion of the food. "Perhaps we'll have to go back, remember that," said Leroy, as he put the cover on the kettle once more. "Go back? No, no, Leroy! I'll try jumping over first." "I don't think I shall. Thet hole-- What's that?" A sound had reached the old sailor's ears, coming from some distance ahead. It was the sound of footsteps approaching. "Somebody is coming!" whispered Larry, and crouched down. Then a man put in an appearance, coming from the opposite end of the passageway. He was an American soldier, hatless and almost in tatters. "Hullo there!" cried Larry, leaping up. "Oh, but I'm glad you came!" At the cry the soldier stopped short in amazement. Larry's words echoed and reechoed throughout the passage. He looked toward the pair at the chasm, but could make out little saving the torch which Leroy was holding. "Who calls?" he asked at last. "I called," answered the boy. "Can't you see us? We are two lost sailors, and we can't get over this beastly hole. Come this way, but be careful of where you step." "You must be Americans by your voices. Am I right?" "Yes; and you are an American, too," said Larry, as the soldier came closer. Soon he stood facing them, with a look of wonder on his bronzed features. "How did you get here?" he demanded. "It's a long story," answered Leroy. "We escaped from some rebels at the other end of this cave, and we've been wandering around since last night. Are you alone, or are our forces outside of this hole?" "General Lawton's troops are a good many miles from here," answered the soldier. "I am one of his scouts, and I became separated from our command and got up here to escape being hunted down by the crowd of Filipinos that was after me. They are in the woods just outside of this hole." "Then you are all alone?" said Larry, his face falling a little. "Yes, although I think a couple of our men must be in this vicinity. We are pressing the rebels pretty hard, you know." The scout's name was George Boxer, and he was one of the best marksmen in Chief Young's command. He listened to their story with interest, and at once agreed to do what he could for them. They noted with satisfaction that he was provided with both a rifle and a pistol, and also a belt well filled with ammunition.