Middletown transcript., 1912-01-27
CHAPTER XXI.
Hand 70 Hand.

rested upon the outside world, and
through the fieeting shadows Of the
mist 1 was able to distinguish much
which before had been shrouded by
-the black curtain. In front Of the
window where l rested, the grass
covered lawn sloped gradually down
ward until it terminated at a 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 a 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 a 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grown discouraged and withdrawn.
what has become of the guerillas? ?"
1 asked in wonderment, turning as
spoke to face the Federal corporal
who lay on the other side of me. rs
it possible they have given up?"
81 think not, captain" he replied re-
spectfully, saluting as he would one of
his own officers. They were there
just before the light came, and l saw
a dozen or more stealing along behind
the fence not five minutes ago. See,
there is squad of them now huddled
together back of where the stable
stood"
Screw your eye close to the cor
ner of the pane" I 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. 1T looks
to me mighty like the end of 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 it, my lad" I exclaimed,
heartily, getting upon my feet as
spoke. 1--WE can stand up now, there's
no danger here, but there will be mu-
sic for all of US presently. Those fel-
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 sufi-
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" commanded
He would prove of small value in a
hand-to-hand struggle, but can proba-
blF do seme shooting. The rest come
with me-"
led them forth into the wide hall.
way, which extended the full length
Of the house, with a broad fight 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 a strong
draught Of air, and I 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 /
we're lying, 1 peered within. The
blinds were tightly drawn and I was
able to perceive little of its interior
that the walls were linec
With books.
"Ebers," I called. thinking he mus
,e there, "are you in charge here?"
Il vos, captain" came the instant rt
,ly, and he at once emerged from tt
larkness.
Have the enemy kept you busy?
Der vos some shooting, und Hadley
70 got hurt bad, but der fellers is ali
one"
Bring your men fit for duty out
Iere in the hall, and have them join
ny party. How many have you?"
Der is four, captain"
He drew back, and as he disap-
reared some one came hastily toward
IS along the hallway from the rear.
What is it, Caton?" I asked anx-
ously, as I recognized him.
They are forming to rush me, 1
hink," he answered. Il need few
more men If can get them"
They are preparing to assault front |
I'd rear at the same time, All
wered. They are massing now, and
my judgment Brennan will have to
ace the brunt of it. The front of this
louse is greatly exposed, and will
rove extremely difficult to defend if
hey come against it with any force
low many men do you absolutely re-
uire to hold your position? Remem.
er, the women are all in the front
art Of 1.-the house, and we must pro-
ect them at all hazards; come with
le. There are times when a higher
lw than that of military despotism
hould control our actions. 1 am gr
lg there, orders or no orders. Eber
an command your detachment and a
omplish all the service you possibly
ould. Your rightful place is between
lese rufians and the woman you
we. How many additional men will
. required to make the back Of the
ouse secure?"
Il feel like a new man, Wayne" he
lid thankfully, "and I know you are
ght. Four more would be sufficient,
esides the one in command"
Good! Ebers," I said, as my portly
srgeant again emerged from out the ,
take your four men back
the kitchen and assume command j
he gueriilas are preparing to make
rush there, and you must drive them !
aek by a rapid fire. Hurry along
wv"
The little group had barely van
he'd beyond the glow of the light r
hen from without our ears were sud
snly assailed by n wild, exulting yell I
at bespoke the charge. =
here thev arets orio5 tfAy,,,,