Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/62

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42
UNDER MacARTHUR IN LUZON

General Lupez should hold him responsible for Benedicto's capture. But would it do any good?

"I prefer to keep my name to myself, sir."

The Spaniard drew up his shoulders. "As you will. Perhaps you are somebody of importance."

"No, I am only an ordinary soldier. I was a lieutenant, but our captain was shot, and—"

"I see—they made you capitan; very good—if you are worth the position. But you are not much of a capitan now, ha! ha! Who caught you? some of Capitan Relosus's men?"

"Yes, general."

"They are a shrewd set—some of our best. Well, if you are a spy, your days are numbered; probably you already know that." The general paused. "You have been in Manila lately? Did you ever hear of my brother, Benedicto Lupez? "

"Quite often. He is in prison."

"As a rebel?"

"Both as a rebel and on a charge of robbery. It is said he stole some money brought to Luzon by an American."

"'Tis not true!" exclaimed José Lupez, growing red in the face. "I know the whole story, and my brother came by the money honestly. The charge is