The Western news., 1904-12-21
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! SAVED BY CHRISTMAS. i

| Il
1899 that the last of the Filipino insur-
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 prn-
cipal towns along the coast, but the dis
tance between them was sometimes more
than a days travel.
Thus, the traveller who cared to risk
to pass the night in some ungarrisoned
town, miles away from the nearest
American post.
wanted badly to get to Manila before
New Years Day. No steamers were
scheduled to sail in the interval, 90 l
was forced to go down to Dagupan, the
railroad terminus, by horseback a dis
tance 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 it
for me to reach Manila on time that
was compelled to ignore their warnings
Leaving Vigan early on the morning
of December %. l reached village call
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 l 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 had fair knowledge of the coun-
try l knew that evening must bring me
near small village called Sevilla, and
there, in the house of the municipal pres
ident. | 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 passing native, and
asked him:
"Where is Sevlla?"
'There," he answered, pointing.
saw nothing but a big mango tree.
'Where!' l asked again.
"There; behind that tree"
> Investigation disclosed the town on the
other side Of the tree-six small huts
and church in the distance beyond.
I This was unpleasant, for towns Of that
), size were really dangerous. In the larger
:, communities n traveller would have been
4satss,- as ''mishaps'' usually brought
American punishment ON the place.
Here the inhabitants had little to lose.
However, the local president received
me we'll enough and after supper turn
ed in and soon fell asleep.
: was awakened by the changing Of the
church bell In the Philippines it is the
: custom to hold mass at midnight on
, Christmas Eve. Once awake, l deter
mined to attend mass.
, Not having undressed, l was soon
ready.
Outside l met several natives, and to-
Rether We went across the little plaza
> to the church.
The inside was lighted up by candles,
and about 100 natives were kneeling
} there. services having already begun.
The little native priest was no Latin
scholar, so he spoke in Spanish. Thus !
understood him and became interested In
his simple words.
A choir of native girls sang, and the
service altogether was rather impressive
for it's simplicity.
For this reason l had not turned my
] head when heard the muffled steps OF
. many feet behind me- and the thud OF
numerous metallic bodies against the
, stone floor. 1t was long afterward when
l turned. and started nervously as what
> I cav.
Behind me, stretched from wall to
wall, knelt company of insurgent sol
! diers, their heads uncovered and bowed
their guns before them on the floor.
AL religious emotions left me at once
> and thought only Of getting out Of the
aide door and reaching my horse.
Quietly, slowly edged my way over
to that small door. No one needed me,
, although all must have known by my
. khaki uniform that was one Of the
, hated Yankees
Finally, just as the services ended, I
, reached the door and bolted out into the
. darkness.
ran toward the president's house,
but my haste to reach my horse made
!. me incautious, and at every few steps l
, stumbled.