Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-02-15
CHAPTER XXI.
Hand to Hand.

Hand to Hand.
The faint gray light of early dawn
rested upon the outside world, and
through the feeting shadows Of the
mist was able to distinguish much
which before had been shrouded by
the black curtain. In front of the
window where 1 rested, the grass
covered lawn sloped gradually down
ward until it terminated at low
picket fence, thickly covered with
vines. A great variety of shrubs,
which during the night had doubtless
afforded shelter for sharpshooters,
dotted this grass plot, while beyond
the fence boundary stood double row
OF large trees. To the far left of our
position the burnt stable yet smol-
dered DULY, occasionally sending up a
shower Of sparks as draught of air
tanned the embers, but there were few
signs Of life visible. For the moment
l even hoped our enemies might have
grown discouraged and withdrawn.
What has become of the guerillas? ?"
l asked in wonderment, turning as 1
spoke to face the Federal corporal
who lay on the other side of me. us
1t possible they have given up?"
Il think not, captain" he replied re-
specially, saluting as he would one of
his own officers. 'They were there
Just before the light came, and saw
q dozen or more stealing along behind
the fence not five minutes ago. See,
there is a squad of them now huddled
together back of where the stable
stood"
"Screw your eye close to the cor
ner Of the pane" 1 ordered hurriedly,
and see what you make out toward
the front of the house."
There's men out there sure, plenty
OF en-" he reported slowly. ut looks
to me mighty like the end of a line of
battle, right there by that big mag
nolia tree. Anyhow, 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 shooter or two hiding along the
fence where the vines are thick"
That's 1t, my lad" 1 exclaimed,
heartily, getting upon my feet as 1
spoke. I'VE can stand up now, there's
no danger here, but there will be mu-
sic for all of US presently. Those fell
lows are getting ready to charge us
front and rear"
There were five in the room. /
could see them only indistinctly, as
the morning light was not yet suffi-
GENTLY strong to penetrate clearly to
where we were, but 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 those windows" l commanded.
He would prove of small value in a
hand-to-hand struggle, but can proba-
bly, do some shooting. The rest come
with me"
led them forth into the wide hall
way, 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. The suspended light
was yet burning as we came out, but
dickered wildly as if in strong
draught Of air, and l noticed that the
constant rain of bullets during the
night had badly splintered an upper
panel of the door. Halfway down the
broad hallway, and partially obscured
by the turn Of the stairs, a door stood
slightly ajar upon the right hand.
Conjecturing this might be where the
defenders of the eastern exposure
were lying, l peered within. The
blinds were tightly drawn and was
able to perceive little of its interior,
excepting that the walls were lined
with books
"Ebers," called, thinking he must
be there. ARE you in charge hsre?"
II vos, captain" came the instant re-.
ply, and he at once emerged from the
darkness.
"Have the enemy kept you busy1"
Der vos some shooting, und Hadley
no got hurt bad. but der fellers is all
gone"
Bring your men At for duty out
here in the hall, and have them join
my party. How many have your"
der is four, captain"
He drew back, and as he disap-
lpeared some one came hastily toward
US along the hallway from the rear.
What is 1t, Caton?" I asked anx-
iously, as recognized him.
"Thov aro fnrynipc IN ruoh noo 7
think" he answered. II need few
more men II can get them"
They are preparing to assault front
and rear at the same time," an
swered. They are massing now, and
In my judgment Brennan will have to
face the brunt Of 1t. The front Of this
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