The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1904-12-24
EN@C1EkEN@~
! SAVED BY CHRISTMAS. q

\ lO65 IIdl Tue last Vi tue
gent armies was effectually defeated,
and the battalions that formed its
strength were scattered among the noun
tains Of Northern Luzon as guerrilla
bands.
American soldiers garrisoned the prin-
cipal towns along the coast, but the dis
tnnce between them was sometimes more
than a days travel.
Thus, the traveller who cared to risk
the dangers of the road had sometimes
to pass the night in some ungarrisoned
town, miles away from the nearest
American post.
l was at vigan at that time. and
wanted badly to get to Manila before
New Years Day. No steamers were
scheduled to sail in the interval, so
was forced to go down to Dagupan, the
railroad terminus, by horseback, dis
lance Of more than a hundred miles.
Natives and Americans alike warned
me of the dangers of capture from in
surgent bands, but so necessary was il
for me to reach Manila on time that
was compelled to ignore their warnings.
Leaving Vigan early on the morning
OF December %, l reached a village call
ed San Esteban>that night, ungarrisoned.
but In a peaceful district. When morn
ing came and nothing had occurred to
disturb my sleep, danger from insur-
gents seemed very vague, and | set out
on my second days travel with an easy
mind.
At noon l struck the first American
post, Candon, and the post commander
tried to persuade me from continuing, as
the next post could be reached in one
day by starting early in the morning.
But, as l have said, my hurry was
great. and SO at o'clock l was once
more on the road.
As l had a fair knowledge of the coun-
try l knew that evening must bring me
near a small village called Sevilla, and
there, In the house of the municipal pres
Ident, l expected to pass the night
Christmas Eve.
| kept looking for the town, but it was
almost dark and still no sign Of houses
Finally l met a passing native. and
asked him:
where is Sevilla7'
There" he answered, pointing.
saw nothing but a big mango tree
"Where?" l asked again.
There; behind that tree"
Investigation disclosed the town on tn
other side of the tree-six small hut
and church in the distance beyond.
This was unpleasant, for towns of tina
zize were really dangerous. In the large
communities a traveller would have beel
safer. as "mishaps" usually brough
: American punishment on the place.
Here the inhabitants had little to lose
However, the local president receive.
me well enough, and sfterrsupper l turn
ed In and soon fell asleep.
l was awakened by the changing Of tn
: church bell. In the Philippines II Is tn
custom to hold mass at midnight Of
Christmas Eve. Once awake, l deter
mined 20 attend mass.
Not having undressed, 1 was 500
ready.
Outside met several natives, and to
gether we went across the little plaz
to the church.
The inside was lighted up by candles
and about 100 natives were kneelin
there. services having already begun.
The little native priest was no Lati
scholar. so he spoke In Spanish. Thus
understood him and became interested i
? his simple words.
A choir of native girls sang. and tn
service altogether was rather impressiv
: for its simplicity.
!. For this reason | had not turned m
!, head when | heard the muffled steps 9
a many feet behind me, and the thud {
= numerous metallic bodies against th
:. stone floor. 1t was long afterward whe
"a | turned, and started nervously as whs
: saw.
= Behind me, stretched from wall
! wall, knelt a company Of insurgent so
\ diers, their heads uncovered and bowe'
{ their guns before them on the floor.
r. All religious emotions left me at ono
a and | thought only OF getting out OF Il
d aide door and reaching my horse.
Quietly, slowly l edged my way ov'
to that small door. No one needed m
although all must have known by n
khaki Uniform that l was one OF tl
IS hated Yankees.
ID Finally, just as the services ended,
it reached the door and bolted out into Il
e darkness
ID | ran toward the presidents hous
s. but my haste to reach my horse MAJ
IN me incautous, and at every few steps
C stumbled.
Suddenly l fell over a stone wall. f
~ a space l lay on the ground, stunned
$ my fall.
d l arose at last stiffiy and much daze
Ut must have reached the president
II house by a roundabout way. for W
only conscious OF seeing it before me
n II It had come to me.
The room had slept In was lighted
had left II. by a small lamp.
c had left my saddle-bags there, so II
a. up the stairs 20 get them
- At the table sat young native In
insurgent leutenant's uniform. l turn
| quickly, and at the foot OF the sta
stood an armed soldier.
Realizing my helplsssness. walked
/. The insurgent officer arose, but appear
- - -. ...-..-l.. aA .aalr,s- ma