CHAPTER XVI
NEWS FROM HOME
It was evident that the majority of the insurgents had now had enough of fighting, for while the engagement just mentioned was taking place, General Luna of the Filipinos sent forward his chief of staff to General MacArthur, with a request that hostilities cease, pending a conference of Americans and Filipinos looking toward a settlement of existing difficulties.
But our leaders knew only too well what delay meant, and refused to enter into any compact unless the natives first threw down their arms. The Filipinos wanted their freedom, but events had now so shaped themselves that absolute freedom for them appeared to be out of the question. So the conference practically amounted to nothing. And while this was taking place, General Hale began to move eastward to join General Lawton’s command on its march toward San Isidro. It was the policy of all the American commanders to 151 give the Filipinos no rest during the short time left to them before the heaviest of the rainy season set in.
A rest of two days did Ben’s company a world of good. Communications with Malolos were now opened, and supplies were coming forward rapidly. With the supply wagons came Carl Stummer, just from the hospital and still somewhat “shaky,” but eager to be again on the firing line.
“I could not dink me of stayin’ any longer,” he said, as he shook hands all around. “Der docther say, ‘You vos besser here,’ und I say, ‘I ton’t gits me no besser bis I schmell dot powder purning vonce more alretty!’”
“Well, it’s powdher ye’ll be afther shmellin’ soon,” put in Dan Casey. “It’s forward we go to-morrow, so th’ colonel is afther sayin’.”
“Goot!” said Carl. Then he added with a faint smile. “You see, Tan, I vos afraid you kill all dem Filibenos off pefore I could git here.”
“Sure an’ I saved a couple fer ye, Carl,” replied his chum. “Ye’ll not be wantin’ fer a scrap, I’ll warrant!” And then he related his own and Ben’s adventures, to which the German volunteer listened with much interest.