The Chunchuses surrounded the Americans and compelled them to halt.—Page [277].
“Let us keep on,” was the answer.
There was a clatter of hoofs, and amid shouts and yells the Chunchuses surrounded the Americans and compelled them to halt.
“Throw down your weapons,” said one, who was the leader, and as there was no help for it, they did as bidden. Then the leader asked them who they were and where they had come from.
“We are Americans and attached to the Japanese army,” answered Gilbert stiffly. “What do you want of us?”
“All you possess,” was the ready return.
“You can have that and welcome, since we have nothing with us.”
At this the brigands scowled and muttered among themselves.
“Search them,” was the reply. “Do it well too. These Americans are sly cats for hiding things.”