Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1899-04-07
CHAPTER XIII.-CoNT1NUED.

1t wodld be much to my mind if 1
could describe with clearness and pre-
cision what followed. Unfortunately
it is beyond my power. 1t was all a
whirl and maze of figures and the
putting in and breaking of clouds of
smoke, and beyond that little but some
gathering of swords and guns and
much jostling about. was not in the
front rank, and could only step this
way and that, as my companions adj
vanced or retreated, and beyond once
d1scharging my gun did no actual
fighting. 1t was soon over, and saw
that the enemy had broken.
''After them, and take some prison
ers!" Morgan roared.
I was Immediately left in a little
clear space, with only Mr.. lynn and
Mac Ivrach near at hand. The others
had made dash after. the flying Span
iards.
My two companions, like myself,
were unhurt. In this respect they
were more fortunate than 20 or so of
our mates. Nine or ten of these were
killed outright, and the others were
doubled up with pain or sitting about
bloody and bewildered.
The smoke gradually thinned out,
and I looked toward the city. I saw
the Spaniards slowly but doggedly re-
treating, stopping at intervals to
wheel and fire desultory volley. Our
advance men were at their heels, but
did not pursue far, for, having taken
five or six prisoners, they let go part
ing shot or two and returned.
Morgan now harangued us briefly,
saying that victory was assuredly
within our reach, and that we had but
to put forth one more effort to secure
it. This speech being well received, he
left a guard of 200 with the wounded,
and also to act as a reserve, and led
the rest to the attack. Mr.. lynn, Mac
Ivrach and myself were included in
this assaulting party.
We marched directly toward the
enemy, and at once received their fire,
losing ten or twelve in killed and sew
eral wounded. Then, Of sudden, Nor
gan sprang to the right, and we, wheel
ing after him, he led US almost at run
from the road into the meadow. linn
mediately perceived what he would
do, which was to avoid the forts and
this strong front Of the town, and at
tack q weaker place. To effect this he
had feigned to make an assault, there
by holding the main force of the enc
my where it was.
1t was soft footing, and we ran
rather heavily, but still we were MAX
ing some progress when the foe
trained their cannon on US, and though
we were in loose formation they
brought down well-nigh score. Their
musketeers also made forward and
fired, and before we had proceeded 20
yards farther it seemed that not fewer
than 100 buccaneers were either slain
or wounded.
This could not last. The enemy was
having it elthis own way, and unless
we could turn upon him soon he would
lay US all dead or drive US off the field.
A man in front of me swung out and
fell sidewise, on the grass. A ball
struck the stock of Mac Ivrach's mus
ket, and as turned my head to make
sure that Mr.. lynn was safe l felt a
sharp, spiteful rap on my own head
piece.
Paul Cradle was little way on my
right, and he had begun to swear when
shout went up from those in front
and with great suddenness the whole
command came to halt. I saw three
or four of the captains running out
into the field. and in a moment their
several commands were following
them, and now we were wheeled short
and faced toward the city.
A sort of growl of relief and satisfac-
ton went round, for at last this play
ing as living targets was over. We
looked to our printing and brought
forward our bandoliers.
Keep closet" cried Mr.. lynn in my
ear. ''This will be the most desperate
business of ALL"
'White arms and pieces of eight"
reared Paul CRADLE.
"Aye, aye!" shouted man near me.
The trumrets sounded a quicker note,
! and we broke into q run.