The Glenwood post., 1912-11-16

Nsipie, dItnOugn We could see the
smoke Of their guns, and hear distant
crackle Of musketry. l sat UP, star
ing through the heat waves toward
fhe eminence on the left where
Naynes men remained, showing dim
ly against the trees. A group of horse
men We're riding down the slope,
heading toward our line. As they
came into the sandy plain below and
skirted the morass. l recognized Lee
In advance, mounted on a black horse
hecEed with foam. Twice he paused,
gazing across the hills through level.d
ned glasses, and then rode up the
steep ascent to our rear. Maxwell
met him not twenty feet from where
| lay.
What does this mean, sir?" Lee
Numbered hoarsely. "Why are your
men lying strewn about in this unsol-
dlerly manner, General MAXWELL"
Are you unaware. sir. that we are in
the presence of the enemy?"
MaNwells face fairly blazed, as he
straightened in the saddle, but before
his lips could form an answer, a sud
den cheer burst out from the crest Of
the hill, and | saw men leaping to
their feet, and waving their hats. The
next instant across the summit came
Washington, a dozen officers clatter.
ing behind, his face stern-set and
white, as he rode straight toward Lee.
What is the meaning of this re.
treat General Lee? My God, sir, how
do you account for such disorder and
coufusion?" he exclaimed, his voice
ringing above the uproar, his angry
eyes blazing into Lees face. Answer
me-"
The other muttered some reply l
failed to catch.
That's not true" returned Wash
lngton, every word stinging like
whip. 1T was merely a covering party
which attacked you. Why did you ac-
ccpt command, sir, unless you intend
ed TO fght?"
Il did not deem it prudent, General
Washington, to bring on general en-
gagement."
You were to obey my orders, sir.
and you know what they were. See!
They are coming now!"
He wheeled his horse about, point
ing with one hand across the valley.
Major Cain, have Oswald bring up
his guns at once; Lieutenant Mcneil,
ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have
their troops on the ridge within ten
minutes-General Maxwell, these are
your men?'
They are, SIR"
Hold this line at any cost, the re-
serves will be up presently"
As he drew his horse about he again
came face to face with Lee. who sat
lis saddle sullenly, his gaze on the
ground Washington looked at him
a moment. evidently not knowing what
10 say. Then he asked quietly:
"Will you retain command on this
height, or, not, sir?"
mand."
s Then I expect you will take proper
means for checking the enemy"
Il shall net be the first to leave the
ground; your orders shall be obeyed."
What followed was but a medley of
sight and sound. / saw Washington
ride tO-the left; heard Lee give hur-
ried order. or two: then l was at the
rear of our own line strengthening it
for assault. There was little enough
time left.
Under the smoke of several batter
les, whose shells were ripping open
the side of the hill. the British were
advancing in double line, the sun
cleaning on their bayonets, and re-
vealing the uniforms of different
corps.
STEADY, men! Steady!" voice after
voice caught up the command. Hold
your fire!"
'Wait until they reach that fallen
tree!" l added.
Every m an Of us had a gun, officers,
al Coatless as though we came from
Tho haying field, the perspiration
streaming down our faces, We waited.
The rife barrels glowed brown IN the
sun. as the keen eyes took careful
sight. We were but handful, single
thin line; II the reserves failed We
would be driven back by mere force
II numbers. yet before We went that
slope should be strewn with dead
Crashing up from the rear came Os-
wald with two guns. wheeling into
position. the depressed muzzles spout
ING destruction. Yet those red and
blue lines came on; great openings
were poughed through them. but the
living mass closed up. They were at
the fallen tree, beyond, when We
ooured our volleys into their very
saces. We saw them waver a. that
storm Of lead struck; tho center
seemeA to give way, leaving behind
ridge oe motionIess bodies: then 1t
urged forward again, led by 4 wav-
ing nag. urged on by gesticulating Of
0cers.
(Centinued next Week.)