The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1900-08-10

charged on, squealing and grunting
savagely.
Quin strained every nerve, bounding
with great leaps over the marshy
grass. His only hope was to reach the
far side Of the clearing, where he might
pull himself into the limbs of O tree.
But 1t was soon evident that he could
not gain the desired shelter. He was
less than half way to it when a back
ward glance showed him his pursuer
within half dozen feet. He lodged
to one side, intending, as last resort,
to try to stun the animal with the
stock of his rife.
But at that critical moment timely
and unexpected aid reached him. From
a thlcket several yards away came
flash and a report. and down went the
boar. stopped by bullet under the
fore shoulder. Then a man leaped into
view, and with long spear he quickly
dispatched the ugy brute by stabbing
it repeatedly in the throat.
This done, the stranger bowed cour-
teously to Quin. who was breathing
hard after his exertions. The rescuer
was tall and slim, with a handsome
and refined face and complexion that
was remarkably light colored for a ma
tive. His clothing. which was badly
worn, consisted of tunic and trousers,
a broad hat and q crimson sash in
which was thrust huge pistol.
who are you. senor. and what do
you hereT he inquired.
Quin gave his name and also brief
account Of his expedition.
Il owe you my life," he concluded
fervently. But for your
"Senor, am glad that you are CRATE
full for my poor SERVICE" the man In
terrupted. land regret that l must
ask one Of you in return. It may seem
to you that take an unfair advantage,
but as my time Is too valuable to waste
in words
With that he whipped out his pistol
and leveled 1t in Quin's face.
"Throw your rifle at my sidew he
added sternly. "Of with your coat and
hat. Be quickr'
There was no alternative. so Quip
obeyed with alacrity. His captor with
drew several PAGES, threw off his own
hat and tunic and threw them at Quin.
Then he picked up the latter's clothing
and weapon In one hand. keeping his
pistol ready in the other.
ut is fair exchange. senor," he
said, "and | trust you will bear no
malice"
Quin looked at the dead boar, and
the thought of his narrow escape
checked the hot words on his lips.
IF you consider that you have acted
like an honorable man." he said coldly,
II must not complain. At least tell me
II am near the coast"
Eyes; within three hours march,"
"And what has happened during my
absence In the interior?"
Much, senor. Several weeks ago
war broke out between the United
States and Spain. An American feet
sailed promptly from Hongkong to the
Philippines. 1t arrived yesterday morn
ing. sank the Spanish ships off Manila,
destroyed the fort of Cavite and is now
blockading the harbor. The insurgents
also are In arms again and will shortly
cooperate with the American marines.
Senior, bid you good dayp
With that the man turned and strobe
off briskly. taking with him Quin's
rifle, sun helmet and tweed coat. He
plunged into the forest and was lost to
sight.
Here's a nice fxr' Quin reflected
ruefully. 81 can't get through the
thorny jungle In my shirt and trousers,
that's certain. Well. must make the
best of it,"
He put on the strangers tunic and
broad hat. picked up the spear. which
its owner had discarded or forgotten,
and started on his way. For an hour,
as he marched through the silent for
est. the thrilling news he had recently
heard filled his mind to the exclusion
Of everything else. But presently, when
1t occurred to him that he was proba-
bly, wearing part of a hunted rebels
clothing. he felt serious misgiving.
If run into the Spaniards." he said
to himself, ''it won't be easy to prove
my identity. The risk is too great.
It's better to tackle the thorns bare.
headed and coatless."
But his resolution was made too late.
At that instant a sentry stepped out
from behind a tree on the left and
challenged him at the point of a rife.
There was no chance of escape. He
was quickly surrounded by half dog
en- Spanish soldiers, who led him for
ward few yards to camp In the for
est where 10 or 12 more soldiers, In
fantry, were iOunglng by rude huts.
ALI crowded about the prisoner.
"Who are your fiercely demanded
the officer In command. who wore a
captains uniform.
81 know him. Captain Villarl' cried
another officer. HE is the very fellow
we are looking for-Francisco Perez
and he is trying to get through to the
American feet. He had the daring to
address me at General Augustine's ball
last January, and by accident his mask
slipped of, so that saw his face dis
tinctly. He Is Perez himself"
"Are you certain Of this. Lieutenant
Uriosto?" the captain asked.
81 will swear TO It," was the reply. |
'Is II not enough that his hat and tunic
are such as Perez always wearsY He
turned to the prisoner. do you deny
that we met In ManIla?" be added.
Quin made no answer. For a mo-
ment he was stunned as he realized
that the man who had saved him from
the boar and then played him such a
scurvy trick was none other than the