Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-14

Ing and disposing of that now useless functionary. he stepped quickly back to the front of his men. Even in that l supreme moment he was counting the chances of every move. He had faced rioters before and knew how vital it was that every movement of the troops should be machinelike and precise.
 "Listen to me carefully, now. men," He spoke in his clear, animated tone, every word cutting through the clamor so as to be distinctly heard by these | his young soldiers standing grave fac ed and some of them, it was evident, quivering before him, while, on the other hand, at his back and beyond the fence the uproar among the rioters made his voice inaudible. 'T shall face you to the right, march opposite the gate, then face you to the front again. Now, watch me well. I shall go to the gates, say few words to those fellows, then step back and order you to load, and that means load with cartridges. Obey coolly. Take your time, but keep your hammers down at half cock and don't let finger touch the trigger! Quietly now," he added. ! Then, according to the tactics of the day, Langdon gave the order to carry arms, paused to see it thoroughly un- derstood, then Right face," which was done to a man without a Saw: then Forward, marchr' at which, to the ac- compartment of redoubled yelAs and some few half bricks that came hur- ting over the fence, but fell short, the company moved off. "Short step in front" he warned the guide, so that his men should not become spread out or, like noyices, trip over one another's heels. And so in very commendable order and in another moment he had his men opposite the point of danger. Then rang out the order, Company, haltr' faced them to the front once more, and there they stood at carry arms, silent, awed, but utterly subordi- nate, and, despite the fury of abuse and denunciation which greeted their move, looking straight into the faces of the raging mob, but with both ears attent and one eye on their cool headed commander. He smiled at them mo- ment. ''Why, you fellows are steady enough for veterans he said. And, with his own heart humping fast, he placidly turned again and with one calm glance at the surging scene be- fore him and purposely leaving his men at the carry he walked quietly for ward, Charming and the sheriff away to the rear, looking breathlessly on. Barely 60 feet interposed between his men and the mob as, all alone, he sauntered down to the gates. In spite al T the brawny wie1ders of sledge and crow, dropped blasphemy and bars to listen. They saw he had something to say, and curiosity prevailed. That white faced, gray eyed 'cuss" had nerve and grit certainly and seemed profoundly unmoyed by their uproar. What they heard was not to their lik- ing, but hear it they had to, for he lift ed up his voice so that it reached some hundred ears, and yet his words were as calm, deliberate, passionless, as he himself might prove merciless. He spoke as though it were matter of utter indifference to him whether they
 burst through and "got it' or staid
 without and were spared.
 tYou seem bent on breaking in," the clear tones rang out over the murmur and ,mptter close at hand the tumult at the distance, Now, understand | if these gates fly open, the instant you
 attempt to enter you get volley in the facef'
 Then slowly, calmly, placidly as be fore, he turned about, walked back
 half way, only ten steps or so, and there, first glancing along his. waiting line to insure it's readiness and close at tention, in clear, sharp, commanding | tone, with distinct pause after every
 word, so that even the mob could hear, | gave the order:
 With ball cartridges
 Ten seconds more, and the silent 70
 stood in the position preliminary to ready, the brown barrels sloping to the 1 front, the muzzles chin high, every eye | fixed upon the gate in stern, calm de- l termination, the ranks inspired by the soldier commanders intrepid and reso- lute bearing-70 men in uniform obey l ing to the letter the will of that one
 soldier in civilian dress-and then, once
 more in front of the center, Langdon
 calmly faced the hard breathing, half l paralyzed mob without and dropped
 on his right knee. The act spoke for itself. From that position, instead of
 in rear of the line, he meant to give
 the word, and the death dealing volley
 would flash into their faces over his
 head.
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