Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1899-03-31
CHAPTER Mi.
or THE OPENING OF THE BATTLE

CHAPTER XIII.
or THE OPENING OF THE BATTLE
We were speedily in order and every
captain went to the head Of his com.
pany. Morgan looked in satisfied way
along the lines and drew. his sword.
At that moment he seemed to have lost
little color, but his Dcaring was bold
and steady. He pointed toward the hill,
and with the loud word Forward!
led Ills into the road.
1t seemed but moment before we
were over the rise and marching down
into the little plain. There, to the no
small stirring of my pulse, were drawn
up the Spanish forces.
l thought there must be 5000 OF
them. The greater part were foot, but
on each flank was considera BILE body
of horse. Their arms and appointments
seemed of the best description, thei,
cuirasses and helmets, in particular
cleaning like pools of water with
every movement.
At least, thought, we have our worl
cut out. l greatly doubt if we can over
come such a strong force.
This found was the opinion of many
others, for kind of growl of appre
hension ran around.
Halt" cried Morgan, sharply. The
men We're only too glad to obey
"Listen, comrades" he went on. ''Yo o,
fear yonder gang, but without reason
They arc not what they look. Twill be
sworn not score of them could carry
half glass of wine to their lips with
out spilling it. They tremble. They
know us. Stand firm, them"
This talk put the men in some heart
but still they seemed in no hurry to ad
vance. Morgan spoke to one of the
captains and the man stepped to the
front, and ran his eye along the line
He then rapidly selected from the diff
ferent companies 50 men, and these he
ordered to stand forward. l i'm
mediately perceived that everyone
chosen was an expert shot.
You will make forward and bcgi,
the BATTLE" said Morgan, coolly, to tho
group. Put three PAGES between
every man and fire with care. The rest
Of you look about and you will per
ceive that the ground is soft, so that
yonder horse cannot charge to adj
vantage
1t was as he said. The ground or
both sides of the broad road was g
meadow, and in places were quags ant
miry spots. 1t was clear that we but
but to stand firm and rcpcl the horse
Morgan gave us no more time fo,
reflection. The captain with his SHARP
shooters set forward, and the rest Of
us were brought into new formation
pass this we were made to form lo;,e
square with double lines, all facing
outward, and few little cannon we re
placed in front and rear. This dor G
we had an opportunity to watch tao
progress Of our advance company.
They spread out, as Morgan h.d
commanded, the wings thus brought
well abroad into the meadow, and 60
trudged sturdily along.
Some PAGES on they went, the enemy
making no movement to stay Them,
and then of sudden one of the bands
Of horse trotted into the road, and at
the blast of {. trumpet broke forwar RI
at swift gallop. , s..
I almost held my breath, as did I an
sure my companions. Down Numbered
the horse. They deploycd right and
left, and were almost upon our men.
Then the cool, buccaneers lifted their
guns, and following the roar saw the
foremost of the riders flash out of
their saddles. There was pulling VI,
and rearing and plunging of frightened
animals, and almost before | could
realize it the remainder of the troop
had refined about and were laundering
back whence they came.
We broke into.frantic cheer, and l1y
a common impulse the entire square
surged forward.
Lead on, Morgan!" Numbered Paul
CRADLE; I'VE can wipe those fellows eff
the earth!'
. Not yeti" shouted Morgan, his face
now red and fiery, and his voice set al
most to the pitch of laugh. I'VE must
repel another charge or two first"
And SO it proved. There was a ill.,
tie confusion in the Spanish ranks, as
the flying riders rode back and wheeled
to regain their old station, and then an.
other trumpet sounded ard tie entire
body of foot moved forward
Stand fast!" said Morgan in deep
tones.
The enemy came on slowly, and Of
a sudden stopped. The line of guns
glittered and instantly everything
was confused in flame and smoke. As
it cleared away l saw half q score OF
our advance fellows down, ard the
other running az full speed toward US,
No one in the main body, as far as !
could see, was hurt.
On the Spaniards came, their farks
expanding and their horse circling out
into the meadow. In flash the whole
army seemed to be inclosing US.
tTo BE Continued