“I guess you’ll find them up near Baliuag. Most of the troops are up there. But I wouldn’t try going around by this road, for the rebels are scattered in small bands all over this territory. You’ll find the main road all right.”
“What will you do with these prisoners?”
“Take them up to the main road and send to the colonel for orders.”
“Then I will go with you,” said Ben, and spoke to the others about it. Soon the whole party was on the way, Sorrel and Jeming carrying the dead form of Sergeant Kaser between them, with Casey trudging near to give them a lift whenever necessary.
It was now growing dark, and looked as if a thunderstorm was at hand. Seeing this, the detachment pushed forward rapidly, until at last the main road was gained. Here, from one of the drivers of a quartermaster’s turnout, they learned that Ben’s regiment had gone into temporary camp on the outskirts of the town of Baliuag, which was a mile further on. A number of Americans were missing, having become lost in a manner similar to Ben and Casey.
The young captain now lost no time in marching forward once more, and reached his regiment in less than half an hour. He found his company in charge of Gilmore. Many had given him up for dead, and they were delighted at his reappearance.
“We can’t do without you,” said the acting first lieutenant. And as he shook hands his honest face showed that he meant what he said.
“And I don’t know that I can do without my company,” replied Ben. “Anyway, I’m awfully glad to be back. In the future, I must be a little more careful about keeping the boys in sight.”