Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-28


 praying for the word that was to loose them from the leash and let them go in furious rush upon the swarms of dusky foemen who since 3 o'clock had been pouring in hot fire from the shelter of their stone and earthen walls and driv- ing storm of steel clad lead upon the unprotected lads in blue. In grim sub- ordination they had obeyed the orders 1 that forbade their turning a spade of earth for counter intrenchments lest the natives, who for weeks had been building redoubts and planting can- mons, should accuse the Americans of >hostile intent. Loyal to their duty and observant of instructions that were hard to appreciate or understand, they had borne the brunt of tie storm and seen some of their best and bravest swept away, but ground their teeth and gripped their Springfields harder and took heart in the promise passed along the crouching line: Our time will come, lads. Wait till broad day light"
 | And now it was nearly 5, and from the shelter of old earthern walls and mounds across the crooked Tripa the Tagal rifles were pouring in heavy fire on the flank and even the rear of the Americans lying south of the bridge. Every company of the great Ever greens was hotly engaged, and the brigade commander galloped to his re- serve, halted among the streets of Paco. The mountain guns of the regulars were believing from the left of the blockhouse at the Krupps under the convent walls at Santa Ana. The long rifled breechloaders at Battery knoll, in rear of the right of the bri- gade, were sending shrapnel spattering | into the bamboo thickets where the in- surgent Mausers were spitefully crack ing. Everywhere, as the dawn began | to streak the skies above the village roofs, the roar of battle stunned the ear, and men hugged the ground as the deadly hail whistled overhead, and the little native horses, the mounts of the staff and field officers, squealed and bit and kicked in nervous wrath at the unseen, hissing, vicious demons of the air that buzzed about their ears or bit or scored their way along haunch and l flank. Behind the stone wall, well within the limits of the eastward suburb, a lieutenant colonel, in natty khaki uniform, had dismounted and was expostulating with his pony as the general galloped up.
 Put two companies in at once oil the right of the village, facing that shack wonder! Whats the matter with your horse, colonel"
 Seems to be scared, sir. I thought he was hit-he behaved so bad" was the faltering answer.
 "Then mount my orderly's. He'll stand anything. You take the colo nePs, Hanford," said the chief to the tall lad who rode at his heels. Lively, now, Nathan, there's not second to lose! I'll relieve you here with the Washoes.''
 Under the dim light of the street lamps, in the first gray mists of the morning, swinging up the main street in solid sets of fours, came column of sturdy foot, striding as though burn ing with eagerness to get into the fight.
 Move your battalion into the side streets, right and left, Colonel Lang don,' were the quick orders. keep them under shelter till send for you. Now, then, what's the matter with those Columbias?" he snapped, eager, impatient, intolerant of delay. s'Here, bring your men through this lane, cap tain!' And away went the generals protesting pony and brace of aids-de- camp, two companies of the Colum- bias, arms at a trail, scurrying after them afoot. Something delayed their field officer-stirrups too long or too short. He was fiercely tugging at the leather on one side, his orderly bugler on the other. The little steed with which he had experienced such unac- countable difficulties displayed aston ishing agility and zeal the moment the boy orderly straddled him and darted away on the trail of the Columbias without so much as a protest. Drawn up within little walled inclosure the caissons of the mountain guns stood sheltered from the Mausers whistling overhead from the blazing front. A squad of eager drivers, crouching by the gate, snickered at the sight across the narrow way. "Nathan's very par ticular just where that holes got to be punched" jeered grizzled driver who had served in the old battery.
 Particular not to get one in his own hide, you mean," laughed a mate. Where's his colonel, anyhow"
 lover at the right. Nathan only had four companies. Here comes Washoe now" And then at the right front, be- yond the village walls, mad cheer went up to the skies, followed by a crashing volley. The Columbias had burst from the thickets at the edge of the suburbs and made their dash to the banks of the stream. Oh, that they could only cross it and drive the turk ing foe with dripping bayonets! But still the stern mandate came from the distant rear, Defend, but don't ad- vance beyond the line" Another instant and another cheer, ringing, hearty, spontaneous, went up among the teams and caissons of the battery, and the commander of the advancing regiment, halting in surprise at the sound of his own name, turned, saw the smiling, swarthy faces under the dim light of the street lamp and, half shaking a gauntleted fist, raised his campaign hat and smiled greeting and apprecia- tion.