Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-04
CHAPTER xxxII.
Hand to Hand,

eyes Wioe opSif, anu prefer " tillih L
merely plunged so deep in reflection as to
become oblivious of all occurring about
me. Surely 1 had sufficient excuse.
However this may be, when 1 once again
aroused to observe my surroundings the
faint gray light of early dawn rested upon
the outside world, and through the f1eeting
shadows of the mist l was able to distin-
guish much which before had been shroud-
ed by the black curtain. In front of the
window where j rested the graSS-covered
lawn sloped gradually downward until it
terminated at q low picket fence. thfckly
covered with vines. A great variety of
shrubs, which during the night had doubt
less afforded shelter for sharpshooters,
dotted this grass plot, while beyond the
fence boundary stood a double row of
large trees. To the far left of our position
the burnt stable yet smoldered DULY, occa-
sionally sending up a shower of sparks as
draught of air famed the embers; but
there were few signs of life visible For
the moment | even hoped our enemies
might have grown discouraged and with
drawn: ,,,
asked in wonderment, turning as l spoke
to face the federal corporal who lay on the
other side of me. Is it possible they have
given up?"
Il think not, captain he replied respect
fully, saluting as he would one of his own
officers They were there just before the
light came, and | saw a dozen or more
stealing along behind the fence not five
| minutes ago. See, there is a squad of them
now, huddled together hack of where the
stable stood
l noticed them as he spoke, and their
movements instantly aroused my suspicion.
Screw your eye close to the corner of
the pane,' I ordered hurredly, land see
what you make out toward the front of
the house.
He did as directed, and for moment con-
tinued to gaze silently into the gray dawn.
| 'Well?" l asked imDa tiently.
There out there sure, plenty of
en- he reported slowly. 1T looks to me
mighty like the end of line of battle,
right there by that big magnolia tree: Any
how, there must be all of twenty fellows
lying close together between there and
where the corner of the house shuts off my
view. ! don't see none this side anywhere,
unless it's a shooter or two hiding along
the fence where the vines are thick
That's it, my lad, l exclaimed heartily,
getting upon my feet as l spoke. Eve can
stand up now, there's danger here, but
there will be music for all of US presently
Those fellows are getting ready to charge
front and rear
There were five in the room. / could see
them only indistinctly, as the morning light
was not yet sufficiently strong to penetrate
clearly to where we We're, but l was able
to note those present-the corporal and his
wounded companion, with Hollis and Call
of my troop.
LET the wounded man remain and guard
these Windows 1 commanded He would
prove of small value in a hand to hand
struggle, but can probably do some shoot
ing. The rest come with me-
| led them forth into the wide hallway
which extended the full length of the house,
with broad flight of stairs just forward
of the center gradually curving and leading
to the second story
1 was fully determined as to my duty
whether orders reached me or not. the
moment an assault was launched 1 should
throw all the force l commanded beside
Brennan. and between our assailants and
rIA JaI 1I<.l~t
was yet burning as we came out, but flick
cred wildly as if in a strong draught of air.
and noticed that the constant rain of bui-
let's during the night had badly splintered
the broad hallway, and partially obscured
by the turn of the stairs, a door stood
slightly ajar upon the right hand. Conject-
uring this might be where the defenders |
of the eastern exposure were lying. I peer
ed within. The blinds We're tightly drawn |
and l was able to perceive little of its !
lined with books.
'Ebers,' 1 called, thinking he must be |
there, are you in charge here?'
Vos, captain came the instant reply, |
ness, his honest face full of interest. rs |
it der breakfast vot is already?' |
Hardly. my man. / imagine we may en-
JOY fight first, to give us better appe- !
Mein Gott hut I am FURNISHED nit der |
abbetite already 1 would fight nit more
fun If I vos full
80 no doubt, would all of us; but have
no time for mere talk. Did you meet with |
any trouble during the night?'
TROUBLES? BY Chiminy, yes, captain, 1 |
vos hungry for six hour. I have took der
belt oop dree time already an vos empty
yet. Troubles? Donnerwetter, it is all |
troubles"
mot that sternly. 81 mean, have the
enemy kept you busy?"
Der vOS some shooting. und Hadley he
got hurt bad. but der felers is all gone
amt it?"
Bring your men fit for duty out here in
the hall, and have them join my party I
said, ignoring his pathetic appeal. How
many have your
Der is four. und captain, dey vos most
as weak as l am nit noting to eat
Seeing was not to be moved by thought
of their pitable condition, he drew back
with profound sigh. and as he disap-
peared some one came hastily toward us
along the hallway from the rear.
What is it, Caton?' l asked anxiously,
as l recognized him.
They are forming to rush me, think"
ne answered. need few more men If
/ can get them"
They are preparing to assault front and |
rear at the same time" / answered. "They !
are massing now, and, in my judgment,
Brennan will have to face the bruut of it. |
The front of this house is greatly exposed |
and will prove extremely difficult to defend |
II they come against it with any force
IlOW many Heu 90 you absolutely REQUIRE I
In order to hold your position? Remember |
the women are all in the front part of the
house, and we must protect them at all
hazards
Good God. Wayne! Do you think I am
likely to forget, with Celia Minor among
them? he exclaimed Indignantly. Moth
ing but strict sense of duty holds ME one
moment where am. Heaven knows 1 wish
to be with her. and, by thunder. Brennan
Is aware of it,
Then come with me- I cried. .'There
are times when higher law than that of
military despotism should control our ac-
tons. l am going there, orders or no
orders. Esers can command your detach- |
ment and accomplish all the service YOU
possibly could. Your rightful place is be-
tween these ruffians and the woman YOU
love. How many additional men will be re-
1uired to make the back of the house Sc
cure?'' |
His face frightened as I was speaking.
ana the haggard look vanished from his |
eyes,
Il feel like new man, Wayne" he said |
thankfully, land I know you are right.
-FOUR more would be sufficient, besides the
one in command. The wainscoting is high
md of solid oak, the windows are small
there is no porch, while the guns have a |
perfectly clear range for nearly hundred |
Yards
Good! Ebers. said, as my portIy SER
yeant again /