Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-04-18
LOOT OF PANDAN.


TRANQUIL sky and growled long and We
hemently. + company had marched
20 miles under blazing sun for the
special 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
were shooting in the general direction
of the town.
With a final malediction of much
potency and originality, the captain
turned TO his men. who were casting
furtiye glance at the town and i'm
patiently waiting permission to forage.
Second and fourth squads remain
here" he ordered 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
" as startled covey of quail scurry
into the brush. The members of the
two disappointed squads set about
helping the company cook TO estab-
lish a temporary kitchen.
One of the bandits left his hilltop
and moved down toward the Ameri-
cans. He appeared presently on lit
tie knoll a few hundred yards away.
The sound of his voice came family
but distinctly TO the soldiers. 'Vamos
ladrones."
The captain made a megaphone of
his hands and retorted in Tagala with
the affirmation that the insurrectos
were all persons unmentionable. 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, must
cal instruments. knives and the like.
Gee. Cap" cried little corporal,
"here comes Jim Raglan with prize
package of loot Blest if it isn't
woman"
We'll, I'll be blamed" said the cap
tain slowly.
A tall khaki-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 confidingly. it seemed. The SOL
der gently withdrew his arm and came
to the rifle salute.
President Socsin's daughter, SIR
he reported. Found her locked up
in one of the shacks."
The daughter of Presidente Junipe-
no Socsin of La Carlota, had been alb
Quoted few weeks previous by the
bandits. because that official had well
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,
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.
this movement with n slight smile.
Guess YOU had better act as special
escort, Jim. Here, you dirty ragamuf-
finsi" he shouted to the remainder of
the company, % get out of sight. Can't
you see that you brighten the Lady,"
r 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 "kid-glove" company
resembled 4 gathering of scarecrows
and was bitterly conscious of the fact;
consequently it withdrew much
abashed.
Get her something to eat. JIM" or
oered the captain. She can have my
chicken"
Ragan hustled over to the extern
cleanest tin cup and plate. returned
with food enough for several strong
men. For the first time in its history
f company almost forgot TO eat. Some
of the men had procured a cart and
carabo. and a heated discussion ensued
as TO the best means of making a ride
in that jolting. numbering vehicle en-
durable for The Loot"
She'll be shaken to pieces in that
thing" insisted one. The only thing
to do is 10 make a litter
who in blazes is going to carry
it?" Queried another. Were all half
dead
pity some of us aren't entirely
dead The government is losing
money on YOU"
Here the captain interrupted. The
blanket rolls were piled into the cart
and the men scurried through the
town to apply lighted matches to the
nipa houses.
Now will you be good?" inquired
the captain, looking toward the watch
ers on the hillside. The solitary one
on the knoll danced up and down in
frenzied rage.
Fall in. Fours right! Forward,
march,
Tnroned on high pile of govern
lsnt blankets. Consuelo Socsin was es-
orted to La Carlota in triumph. When
agan handed her down to Presidente
fsin, in full view of half the regi-
Mt and the colonel, the triumph was
lplete. The men smiled placidly,