with the insurgents. They were a motley collection, and filled the already foul air with the noxious fumes of their ever-present cigarettes.
While I rested, Dan spoke to one and another of them, and learned considerable concerning the present situation in Manila. As we had surmised, all business was at a standstill, the shops were closed, and the streets were guarded by Spanish soldiers, the native policemen not being trusted to do the duty. All was in a state of suppressed excitement, and it was expected that Dewey would shell the city at his pleasure. Provisions were scarce and there was much suffering, especially among the poorer classes.
Strange as it may seem I rested well that night, and Dan also slept soundly. We were stirring at sunrise, and with us Matt Gory, who had suffered no injury and was willing at any moment to fight for his liberty.
"Oi'll not go to any dirthy Spanish prison if Oi can hilp it,—an' Oi think I can," were his words.
"I am with you," I answered. "But I don't want to bite my nose off to spite my face."
At seven o'clock we were ordered out into the open air, and we were not sorry, for the smell in the stable during the night had grown worse instead of better. All were formed into single
