Page:A Sailor Boy with Dewey.djvu/143

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THE OPENING OF THE WAR.
127

we will come out ahead," put in Dan. "Hang it all, but I feel like fighting myself!"

"So do I!" I cried. "I wish we had some soldiers out here, I would join them, and sail for Manila and demand our rights."

At this outburst Mr. Holbrook smiled. "You are very enthusiastic. Soldiering is not such a holiday-making as you may imagine."

"We couldn't have any worse experience than we have had among those dirty Tagals," I answered. "I want to get back there, and get square with those Spaniards, and with that villainous Captain Kenny."

The conversation continued for the best part of the afternoon, but without definite results. As it drew toward evening, Dan and I accompanied Mr. Holbrook to the latter's home, where we were warmly received by Mrs. Holbrook and the other members of the family.

Mr. Holbrook had expected to go out in the evening, on a matter of business, but was not feeling well, and presently asked Dan if he would like to carry a note to a friend's house for him.

"Why, certainly I'll go," answered the son, and I said I would accompany him.

The letter was soon written and handed over, and we started out, down the broad street and then through half a dozen narrow and crooked thoroughfares belonging to the ancient portion