The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1912-11-08

rather be dead then. than Charles
Lee"
We gave the orders, and the mel.
fell back suIlenly. swearing f~ercely
as they caught the rebellious spirit Of
their officers. Scarcely able to breathe
In the hot. stagnant air. caked with
foul mud to the waist. We attained the
higher ground, and dropped helpless.
Even from here the enemy were In.
visible, although we could see the
smoke OF their guns, and hear distant
crackie OF musketry. I sat up. star.
ing through the heat waves toward
the eminence on the left where
Wayne's men remained, showing dim.
~ against the trees. A group OF horse
men were riding down the slope,
heading toward II line. As they
came into the sandy plain below and
skirted the morass, | recognized Lee
In advance, mounted on a black horse
hecked with foam. Twice he paused,
gazing across the hills through leveled
field glasses, and then rode up the
steep ascent to our e Maxwell
met him not twenty feet from where
| lay.
What does this mean. sir7" Lee
Numbered hoarsely. why are your
men lying strewn about In this unsol.
dleriy manner, General MAXWELL"
Are you unaware, sir, that we are In
the presence Of the enemy"
MaXwell's face fairly blazed, as he
Strengthened 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
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
you account for such disorder and
confusion?" he exclaimed. his voice
above the uproar, his angry
blazing into Lees face. answer
The other muttered some rAs,y
failed to catch.
lhat's not true" returned Wnsn.
.ngtoh, every word ~stinging like q
whip, 1T was merely a covering party
which attacked you. Why did you &C,
'ept command, sir. unless you intena
I'd to hght?"
! did not deem it prudent. General
Washington, to bring on a general Ell,
sagement."
70 were to obey my orders. sir,
you know what they were. Sect
.hey are coming nOw!"
He wheeled his horse about, poiut.
ng with one hand across the valley
Major Cain, have Oswald bring No
is guns at once; Lieutenant McNes,
ide to Ramsey and Stewart. have
heir troops on the ridge within ten
1inutes-General Maxwell, these are
our men?"
They are, sir"
Hold this line at any cost. the re-
will be up presently"
AS he drew his horse about he again
anne lace to face with Lee, who sat
Is saddle %sullenly, his gaze on the
round, Washington looked at him
moment evidently not knowing what
say. Then he asked quietly:
VIII you retain command on tblu
or not, sir7"
1t is equal to me where | copar
and"
Then | expect you will take proper
cans for checking the enemy"
l shall not be the first to leave the
'0und; your orders shall be obeyed"
What followed was but a medley of
and sound, | saw Washington J
de TO the left; heard Lee give a hur.
order. or two then | was at the
ar of II own line strengthening II !
r assault. There was little enoush !
ne left. /
Under the smoke Of several batter.
whose shells were ripping open
@ side Of the bill, the British were !
.vanclng In double line, the Ii G
on their bayonets. and re- I
allng the uniforms Of different
rps.
Steady, men! Steady" voice after 4
Ice caught up the command. Hold I
fre!" L
Wait until they reach that fallen
! added.
GRO BE CONTINUED1 a