size corresponds in a certain ratio with the population. But this
particular building was an exception. Dimly lighted, it gave the
impression of ranking in size with many of those in far larger
villages Immediately the thought came to the invaders that the church
might have sheltered the insurgent leaders. Aguinaldo or Filar
might have directed the attack from inside these walls. Orders were
given to search every corner and crevice to ferret out concealed
foes. A rear window was open, proving that flight could have been
by that means of egress. Bansemer was almost positive that the
bullet which had killed his assailant had come from one of the upper
windows, but whether from friend or foe, was undeterminable. Was
it possible that he had been mistaken? Had his eyes been so blinded
with the smoke of battle that they had played him false? Were they
not in a cunningly planned trap of some kind?

Considerably perplexed, Bansemer decided to keep on his guard. He
was ruthlessly searching the chancel when a deep groan caught his
attention. Presently, as he paused to listen, a dark figure leaped
towards him from a recess back of the altar. The flash of a pistol
blinded him, and momentarily, a sharp pain shot through his arm;
but he recovered in time to throw his tall frame forward upon the
slight, almost indistinguishable figure. There was a short struggle,
and before his comrades could reach him his adversary was safely
pinned to the floor. A moment later the torches in the hands of his
friends were burning brightly above the figure of his captive--a
slender boy who choked with terror and rage.

"Who the devil are you, my young friend?" asked Bansemer, holding
the boy at arm's length.