The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1899-02-17
CHAPTER XIII.

pany Morgan looked in a satisfied way
along the lines and drew his sword.
AT that moment he seemed to have lost
little color, but his bearing was bold
and steady. He pointed toward the hill,
and with the loud word Forward"
led us into the road.
1t seemed but a 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.
| thought there must be 1000 of
them. The greater part were foot but
on each flank was n considerable body
ofhorse. Their arms and appointments
seemed of the best description. their
cuirasses and helmets, in particular.
cleaning like pools of water with
every movement.
At least, thought, we have our work
cut out. Igreatly doubt if we can over
come such n strong force.
This found was the opinion of many
others, for a kind of growl of appre-
hension ran around.
Haiti" cried Morgan, sharply. The
men were only too glad to obey.
Listen, comrades" he went on. "You
fear yonder gang, but without reason.
They are not what they look. will be
sworn not a score of them could carry
half glass of wine to their lips with
out spilling it. They trembe. They
know us. Stand firm, then!"
This talk put the men in some heart,
but still they seemed in no hurry to adj
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 so men, and these he
ordered to stand forward. inn
mediately perceived that everyone
chosen was an expert shot.
You will make forward and begin
the battle" said Morgan. coollv. TO the
group. Put three PAGES between
every man and fire with care. The rest
of you look about and you will per-
ceiye that the ground is soft, so that
yonder horse cannot charge to adj
vantage"
1t was as he said. The ground on
both sides of the broad road was n
meadow, and in places were quags and
mry spots. 1t was clear that we had
but to stand firm and repel the horse.
morgan gave us no more time for
reelection. The captain with his sharp
shooters set forward, and the rest of
us were brought into new formation
so as best to repcl an attack. TO COM
pass this we were made to form long
with
outward, and few little cannon were |
placed in front and rear. This done.
we had an opportunity to watch the |
progress of our advance company.
They spread out, as Morgan had
commanded, the wings thus brought
well abroad into the meadow, and so |
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 n trumpet broke forward
at swift gallop.
almost held my breath, as did | am
sure my companions. Down Numbered
the horse. They deployed 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 a pulling up
and rearing and plunging of frightened
ANIMALS, and almost before | could
realize ii the remainder of the troop
had refined about and were thundering
back whence they came.
We broke into frantic cheer, and by
n common impulse the entire square
surged forward.
Lead on, Morgan!" Numbered Paul
Cradle; 1--WE can wipe those fellows off
the earth!"
mot yeti" shouted Morgan, his face
now red and fiery. and his voice set al
most to the pitch of a laugh. eve must
repel another charge or two first"
And so 1t proved. There was a lit
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 and the entire
body of foot moved forward.
Stand fastl" said Morgan in deep
tones.
|
a sudden stopped. The line of guns
and instantly everything
was confused in flame and smoke. AS
Il cleared away l saw half score of
our advance fellows down. and the
other running at full speed toward us.
No one in the main body, as far as 1
could see, was hurt.
On the Spaniards came. their TANKS
expanding and their horse circling out
INTO the meadow. In fash the whole
army seemed to be inclosing us.
1t would be much TO my mind i'll
could describe with ciearness and pre-
;ision what followed. Unfortunately
i is beyond my power. 1t was all a
~hirl and maze of figures and the
ouffing in and breaking of clouds Of
imoke, and beyond that little but some |