Adventure, August 1917 — page 68: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

66 down. It was still quivering as Yankee Dan plucked it from the ground. ‘Tell your men to throw theirs there,’’ he said, and indicated. This order sullenly obeyed, he resumed the conversation where it had been broken off. “You say that my men fired your barn. Suppose I should say that your men did this,’ and he pointed to the smoking ruin. ‘The loss of this is of no consequence, yet it might have been the stables or the com- missary building,’ he continued frankly, but failed to add that the old building was to have been demolished in a few days to make way for another and that he had or- dered it burned at daybreak on learning that Bengowhui had had a fire. Bengowhui, now torn between sullen anger and a tendency to tears, all but sobbed: “Neither was my store-house of much value, sefior, but it is the horror it portends. My own house might be the next to go, and my wives perish. I have suffered much in the past few days.” “TI know, but why do you say my sol- diers did it? Is it not more likely that a common enemy of ours has fired both our barns?” Bengowhui drew himself up with a sem- blance of his old pride and spoke in a voice that quivered with proud conviction. “Because, of all in this district, only yours would dare. Those Moros from beyond—I know their every move, and they know I know—a pack of jackals that cut throats by night, but I would go out by day and hew them down, ten for each one of mine.” ‘So you know all they do,” said Yankee Dan so softly that even the keen - eared Moros grouped ten paces back did not over- hear. “Then you know who cut up my sentry eight days ago. Tell me that—in strict confidence, one man to another—and I’ll forget the rest.” Into Bengowhui’s eyes there dawned slowly, chasing the sullenness that had smoldered there, a new light of respect and. one closely akin to admiration. “Tt would be as much as my life is worth,” he said in a voice as lowas Yankee Dan’s. “Even some man of mine might seek to assassinate me if it were known that I in- formed, but I have never been in sympathy with those who smile by day and slay from behind by night. And this Colonel Cold- Adventure foot. Bah! How was I to know that all Americano Dattos were not of his breed? Would he have thanked me? No. Nor would I have told him—not for a thousand guns. But you—you have taught me much. You are a man. It was Laem Tao’s sword-bearer.”’ To Laem Tao forthwith went the com- mand that he deliver man and gun to Yankee Dan within three days, and to Yankee Dan came this reply: “Tf Colonel Brown wants this man and gun let him come and get them.” Laem Tao had grown bold and impudent with too much petting. THE colonel’s thin lips, as he ox heard the message, played for a moment in an ugly grin and the smoldering eyes flared up, but he merely uttered a single “‘ah” in a subdued and pecu- liar tone. For a time he was silent. When he spoke it was to the regimental adjutant. “Too bad we can’t give this bloody old rascal a romp, eh, Sammy?” “He’s looked for it long enough,” Sammy retorted drily. “But, you see,’ Brown continued, as though seeking to justify himself, ‘we are tied tight, Sammy. What’s the order say? Fight only in self-defense—or something like that. You see, we’d have to get permis- sion, and we’d not get it most likely. Well, we'll request it anyway. Make out your report tonight. Too bad Colonel Cold- foot isn’t here.” bP] Lieutenant Samuel Welford made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort. ‘“‘What’s that?” snapped Yankee Dan. “Noth—nothing, sir,” the adjutant as- sured him hastily. ‘‘I—I was merely think- ing.” “Huh! Thinkin’, eh! Must be —— funny thoughts you have.” Then, plain- tively: “Sammy, in another year it will take an infantry brigade with mountain batteries to do what I could do right now with my handful of dough-boys. This Laem Tao is setting a bad example. But orders are or- ders, Sammy. Always remember that, my boy. By the way, what battalion goes out day after tomorrow?” “The second, sir.” “Think T’ll try ’em out myself. Post No. 1, eh, and a six-footer, too. By gad, but I’ll make ’em sweat. . By the way, CoMmiclsoo (© 5}