The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-07-03
HE GRAY FOX OF GIBRALTAR; A ROMANCE OF THE ROCK

thorpe BY the soldier who informed him
that a crazy woman he'd declared that
the place was to be attacked that night.
Calthorpe did not consider the predic-
tons of a crazy woman TO be of sufi-
cient importance to cause him to change
the routine of his station
AS a matter Of custom he sent a mes
senger with the information &c the main
fortress. Colonel Hardwicke. the COM
mander at this station. being disciD-
linarian and a martinez OF the first order.
Immediately commanded his men to lie
that night upon their arms and sent a
small body to guard the northern ap-
proach 10 the Rock
There was no indication OF the direc-
tion or strength Of the promised attack.
In fact. not even Hardw:clxe himself an
ticipated that it would take place. lie
had merely exercised the precautions
which habit had suggested.
Had Zanosa declared that the Span
iarcs were 10 scale the eastern cliff and
attack from that quarter. her tale would
have been deemed too idle TO receive
the slightest attention.
TX was thought, however. THAI the en-
envy might attempt to pass the narrow
neck OF land TO the north and so gain
footnold upon the western side OF the
ROCK Therefore. Colonel Hardwicke had
strengthened his outposts in that direc-
ton and held the remainder OF his men
ready to fan into line at the first warn
ing note OF the bugle.
1t was otherwise with the little de-
tachment Of men thiGt held the signal
station ana Its surrounding walls. Their
position was believed to be secure. be-
cause no enemy could approach the spot
without first passing the lower garrison.
Therefore. single sentry was ell that
was kept on guard at this point. and the
little garrison was stI1l in slumber when
Lieutenant Mertrez. at the head OF
fifty men. approached the station.
When the sleepy sentry first beheid
their approach he rubbed his eyes In az
toniEnment. He did not realize that he
was confronting a Spanish company.
but Imagined that for some strange
reason detachment from the main
fortress was going through its erolu-
tons at this unusual hour.
In a moment the determined advance
o. the silent column and She sight OF
it. uniform apprised him of the fact
that the Sraniards were, indeed. within
the very defense OF the Rock. With a
warning shout TO aros,se his compan-
IONS within the station. he discharged
mis- musket at the advancing troops Just
as they sprang forward at a run, and
with volley that laid that sentry low.
The sudden onslaught of the enemy
threw the men within the station into
C mplete confusion. AS the spaniards
dashed over the low breastwork that
surrounded the buildings. men came
rushing forth from within. half dressed
and carrying the weapons they had
hastily seized as they ran
As fast as these appeared they were
snot down. and some four or five lay
In the doorway by the tine the fore
most of the attacking party reached il.
CaithOrpe himself had been awakened
ey the fist discharge. Not knowing
"nat was happening, but acting on the
instinct OF the moment. he had leape.is
from his bed. Selling his pistol in one
hama and his sword in the other. and
dashed down the stairway calling TO
his men TO turn out
No sooner had he reached the outer
door. however, than a burly Spanish
trooper who had already discharged his
weapon and had now dubbed IL for fur
;ner use. struck Calthorpe blow that
caused him to measure his length on
the floor.
The contest was over almost before IT
had begun. The Spanish were in pos
session OF the station. Their opponents
were ali dead or wounded
Mertrez had given directions 70 his
men 10 clear the house at once and put
it into condition for defense. when one
of his men hurried up with the news
tnat the whole body OF British troops
was advancing up the hin and was al
ready appearing upon the plain below
the station.