CHAPTER VIII 

A PRISONER OF THE FILIPINOS 

Larry had retreated to a small nipa hut standing close to the roadway, feeling that if the Americans were coming in that direction, they would soon be at hand to give Luke and himself aid. 

While the insurgents and the Spaniards were conversing, the latter had approached the hut, and now both followed the young sailor inside. 

"Is your name Benedicto Lupez?" demanded Larry, approaching the taller of the pair. 

"Yes," was the short response. 

"Then you are from Manila--you ran away from there about two weeks ago?" 

"Ha! what do you know of that?" demanded the Spaniard, eying Larry darkly. 

"I know a good deal about you," answered the youth, boldly. "After Braxton Bogg was arrested you made off with the money he had left at your residence." 

"'Tis false!" roared the Spaniard, but his face blanched even as he spoke. "I know nothing of that man or his money. I--I was deceived in him." 

"If that is so, why did you leave Manila in such a hurry?" 

"I--I wanted to help my brother, who was in trouble. I have not seen a dollar of Bogg's money. 'Tis he who still owes me for his board, black wretch that he was!" roared Benedicto Lupez, savagely. 

At these words Larry was startled. Was Lupez really telling the truth, and if so, where was the money that had wrecked the saving institution? 

"He didn't even pay his board?" 

"Not one piaster, boy,--nothing. And I thought him honest, or I would not have taken him in." 
to who?
to give Luke and himself aid. 