The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-06

Whilst the heat soon became almost IN
supportable our enemies, however, DID
not seem TO be In the slightest degree IN
commoded either by the heat or the
smoke but perceiving how greatly IL en-
harrassed US pressed forward more ca
gcrly than ever TO the attack. We, now
ever, were fighting for our lives, and II is
astonishing how much men can do under
such circumstances. We actually sue
ceeded I'm keeping the foe outside our
three walls, and finally, after proiong-
ed effort which inspired US with a most
nrofound sense OF their individual intre-
ridity, they retired, carrying of their
dead and wounded with them. They mace
4 most daring attempt TO carry on the
cutter also with them In their retreat
but fortunately she was secured by
chain attached 10 the anchor, the latter
being firmly embedded In the soil among
tie long grass; and the idea OF pulling IL
In not seeming TO present itself 10 any
of them they were compelled TO ABANDON
the attempt. owing 20 the calling mus
kerry fire we maintained upon them.
Exhausted. breathless. with our lips
black with powder from the bitten ends
OF the cartridges, our skins pegrineo
with smoke. and with the perspiration
81 ,eomine down our bodies. we now had
a moments breathing space TO look about
ne The ground inside the battery nter-
ally bristled with the spears which mao
been launched at US, but, marvellous 10
relate only three of our number had been
hurt in the recent sclffle. and that put
very slightly. The injuries, such as they
were. were promptly attended TO-, L AT
the same time doing what couid LOT
moor old Mildmay: the r<ins and muskets
were reloaded, and then placing look
ont n: each angle OF the battery, we sank
down upon the ground and snatched such
a bastv meal as was possible under the
circumstances.
embraced the opportunity AFFORDED Dy
this interval OF tranquility TO point out
IN my small command the necessity lot
placing them upon short allowance OF
food. l reminded them that, at the con-
clusIon OF the meal which we were then
discuesing only one clear days rations
would remain to us. and that, though the
French boat had doubtless made good her
escape down the river-and, In that case
wouid probably reach the creek early
enough that same evening 10 make Capt
Vernon acquainted with our critical SIT
uation-we could scarcely reckon upon the
appearance of n relief expedition under -
hours from the time % speaking / added
that further. IL would be only wise to al
low another "a hours for possible unfor-
seen DELAYS, rendering IL not improbable
that we should have to pass As hours IN
our uresent position. and that had tnere-
fore decided for these prudential reasons,
that II would be necessary 10 place the
party for that period on half rations. The
men accepted this decision OF mine with
the utmost readiness, and. In fact, seemed
agreeably surprised 10 find that ! consid-
cred II likely we should be rescued In so
short a time.
Nv the time that we had concluded our
hasty meal the barrack-which after all,
and Notwithstanding Its size. was a mere
wooden shell Of place-had become
shapeless heap OF smoldering ruins, and
we were consequently to n great extent
relieved OF the annoyance from the heat
and smoke Now that the place was actu-
ally destroyed I was glad rather than
otherwise. for, standing as IL did so close
TO the battery. II would. had II remained
I'm existence. have afforded splendid
Cover" for the enemy, behind which they
would have been enabled 10 steal close up
20 us unobserved, necessitating most
unremitting watch. In spite OF which
sudden unexpected rush might have put
them In possession OF the battery. Now.
however. nothing I'm the nature OF sur
prise could well occur, for by the destruc-
ton OF the barrack we were enabled to
obtain an uninterrupted view from the
battery all over the dlmlnutlve islet upon
which II stood.
Half an hour after the conclusion OF our
meal' the wind dropped away TO a fiat
calm, the sun went down behind the low
range OF hills which stretched away 10 the
westward OF VS.. the landscape assumed
a tint OF rapidly deepening. all-pervading
gray. the mist-wreaths rose from the
bosom Of the whirlng river and stealthlly
gathered about the island like a be-
ieaguering army OF phantoms. and the
solemn hush OF night was broken only by
the loud chirr OF the insects and the lap
ping ripple OF the rushing stream.
(To be Continued Tomorrow)