Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1899-08-09
CHAPTER XIII.

talking much and no fires yet alight.
CHAPTER XIII.
OF 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 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.
I thought there must be 1900 of
them. The greater part were foot, but
on each flank was a considerable body
of horse. 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 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 were only too glad to obey.
Listen, comrades" he went on. you
fear yonder gang, but without reason.
They. are not what they look. 1 will be
sworn not score of them could carry
half glass of wine to their lips with
out splitting 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 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. I i'm
mediately perceived that everyone
chosen was an expert shot.
you will make forward and begin
the battle" said Morgan, coolly, to the
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 ad-
vantage"
1t was as he said. The ground on
both sides of the broad road was a
meadow, and in places were quags and
| miry spots. 1t was clear that we had
hr,f IN or AZ I.
Morgan gave us no more time for
reflection. The captain with his sharp
shooters set forward, and the rest of
us were brought into new formation
SO as best to repel an attack. To COM
pass this we were made to form long
] square with double lines, all facing
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 trumpet broke forward
at swift gallop.
L almost held my breath, as did 1 am
sure my companions. Down Numbered
the horse. They deplcyed right and
left, and were almost upon our men.
Then the cool buccaneers lifted their
guns, and following the roar l saw the
foremost of the riders flash out of
| their saddles. There was pulling up
and rearing and plunging of frightened
animals, and almost before I could
realize it the remainder of the troop
had refined about and were laundering
back whence they came.
We broke into frantic cheer, and by
a common impulse the entire square
| surged forward.
Lead on, Morgani" Numbered Paul
Cradle; I'VE can wipe those fellows off
the EARTH"
Not yeti" shouted Morgan, his face
now red and fiery, and his voice set al
most to the pitch of q laugh. eve must
repel another charge or two first"
And SO it proved. There was 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 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 / 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
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.
rTo BE Continued
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