The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1903-06-12

speclal purpose of surprising the Ne
gros Island branch Of insurgents IN
their mountain stronghold, Pandan'
but the insurgents were not at home
They were grouped about the sur
rounding hills, literally kicking Up
their heels in glee at the discomfort
ure of the Americans. A few OF them
we're shooting IN the general direction
Of the town.
With a final nalediction OF mucn
potency and originality, the captain
turned to his men, who were castlAs
furtive glance at the town and I'M
patiently waiting permission to forage
Second and fourth squads remain
here" he ordered 1.-THE rest of you
get into the town and see what's there.
Bring me a chicken, some one"
The men granted the permission
disappeared through the bamboo
hedge that bordered the town as quick
ly as a startled covey of quail scurry
into the brush. The members OF the
two disappointed squads set about
helping the company cook to estap-
lish a temporary kitchen.
One of the bandits left his hilltop
and moved down toward the Amerl-
cans. He appeared presently on a lit
tie knoll few hundred yards away
The sound of his voice came family
but distinctly to the soldiers. "Vamcs
ladrones."
The captain made a megaphone OF
his hands and retorted in Tagala with
the affirmation that the insurrectos
were all persons uncomfortable. Then
he laughed.
Don't shoot" he admonished the
men; Il like that fellows gall"
The foraging party began to return
struggling, with bananas, chickens and
miscellaneous articles of dress, musi-
cal instruments, knives and the like.
Gee, Capt" cried a little corporal,
"here comes Jim Ragan with a prize
package of loot Blest if it isa't a
woman!"
"Well, I'll be blamed" said the cap
tain slowly.
A tall lZhaki-clad private stepped out
from between the bamboo clumps,
holding his Springfield lightly tucked
under one arm, on the other an ex-
ceedingly pretty mestiza girl. chung
rather confdingly, it seemed. The sol
der gently withdrew his arm and came
to the rife salute.
president Socsin's daughter, sir, :"
he reported Found her locked up
in one of the shacks."
The daughter of Presidente Junipe-
70 Socsin of La Carlota, had been alb
Quoted a few weeks previous by the
bandits, because that official had wei
coined the advent of the Americans to
Negros. F company had been on the
trail of the abductors ever since.
"Cr-Buenas dias," said the captain,
removing his hat. That's all the
Spanish know. Tell her it's all right,
Jim"
"Buenas dias, senor," replied the
girl in a startled little voice, resuming
hold Of the private's arm as soon as it
was disengaged.
Him." said the captain, noticing
this movement with a slight smile
Guess you had better act as special
escort Jim. Here, you dirty ragamuf-
fns!" he shouted to the remainder Of
the company, get out of sight. CAM
you see that you frighten the lady?'
+ company was certainly not dressed
for parade Two weeks on the trail
through jungles, crossing several riv-
ers and rolling down mountain paths
had wrought havoc with their KHAKI
clothing. The "l1id-glove" company
resembled gathering of scarecrowS
and was bitterly conscious of the fact
consequently it withdrew much
abashed,
"Get her something to eat, jim" or
dered the captain. "She can have my
chicken"
Raglan hustled over to the extern
ported kitchen, and appropriating thu
cleanest tin cup and plate, returned
with food enough for several stronI
men. For the first time in its histor!
F company almost forgot to eat. Sons
of the men had procured a cart ant
carabo, and a heated discussion ensue,
as to the best means Of making a rid
in that jolting, numbering vehicle en-
duraInle for ftThe cot "
She'll be shaken to pieces in tina
thing" insisted one, The only thini
to do is to make a litter"
"Who in blazes is going to carr,
it?" queried another Were oil hal
dead"
"Pity some of us aren't entirel
dead. The government is lOsin