"Then take him back and lock him in the same cell," instructed the post commander. "Keep him there until he does talk."
"Very good, sir."
Barely had Lieutenant Ray reëntered the guard house when two shots sounded on the road toward Bantoc.
"What's that? Trouble starting?" demanded Captain Freeman, darting to the door and listening.
"It may be only a shooting affray, but we must soon know," replied Captain Cortland.
All of the officers save Ray were now out on the veranda of the building.
Two more shots sounded, close together. Then came a light volley, sounding lighter still.
"It may be that Sergeant Terry is having trouble in town," muttered Captain Cortland, wholly alert in a second. "In any case we must let these Moros see a show of military force. Freeman, detail thirty of your men and let Lieutenant Holmes march them into Bantoc in quick time. Each man to carry fifty rounds of ammunition."
"Very good, sir.
"Lieutenant Holmes, you will go first of all to Cerverra's shop, unless the firing seems to be in another direction. But remember that if trouble breaks loose we will take care of it from here, and that your essential orders are not changed until you receive them from me, or from your company commander."