Part 44 (1/2)

So suddenly that it appeared the work of magic, a great body of hors.e.m.e.n, stretching out for perhaps half a mile, issued from the Serbian line in a charge. On they came, their sabers flas.h.i.+ng in the early morning sun, straight for the distant Bulgarian line.

Chester gave an exclamation of dismay.

”They'll pa.s.s within a short distance of us,” he e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed. ”Then the Bulgarians will turn their big guns on us.” He turned to Helen. ”You would better go downstairs, Miss Ellison,” he said quietly.

”But I want to see the battle,” the girl protested.

”Chester is right,” Hal agreed. ”This is no place for you. Bullets are likely to be flying about here before long now.”

”But the rest of you are not coming down?”

”That's different,” said Chester.

”I don't see how. A bullet is no more liable to hit me than it is to hit you.”

”Well, of course if you insist, I won't push you down,” said Hal, somewhat nettled.

Helen Ellison tossed her head.

”Of course if you are going to be mean about it, I'll go down and sit with Mr. Stubbs,” she said.

Without another word she disappeared below.

Hal looked at Chester and smiled.

”Women and girls,” he said, ”are very peculiar. As soon as you agree with them they change their minds.”

”Well, she's down, anyhow,” said Chester. ”That's some relief.”

”And here come the Serbians,” said Hal.

A handsome body of men, these Serbian cavalrymen, as they charged straight across the open field into the very jaws of death. Men fell on all sides, but those who were left did not pause. The command had gone forth that the Bulgarian guns must be silenced and the Serbians went about the work as coolly as though they had been on dress parade.

But it appeared a few moments later that the battle was not to be between hors.e.m.e.n and artillery, but rather between cavalry and cavalry.

From the Bulgarian lines now issued a large body of hors.e.m.e.n; and they came toward the Serbians at a swift gallop, their officers riding in front with swords flas.h.i.+ng and urging their men on with words of encouragement.

The Serbian cavalry, at a command, halted and braced to receive the shock.

”Great Scott! What did they stop for!” exclaimed Hal. ”They are giving the other fellows, all the advantage when they come together.”

”Looks like bad generals.h.i.+p to me,” Chester agreed.

Now, at a command from their officer, the Serbians resumed their charge; but the damage had been done and when the long lines of opposing hors.e.m.e.n came together the very impetus of the Bulgarian charge carried them through. The Serbians reeled, staggered and their line broke.

The Bulgarian horse plowed in among them, cutting, slas.h.i.+ng and stabbing.

Individually, the Serbians fought as bravely as their foe, but in spite of the desperate work the Bulgarian cavalry retained its cohesion and pushed steadily on.

The fighting was terrible to behold. Revolvers were brought into play and their sharp crack, crack could be heard above the sound of the trampling horses and yelling men. It became apparent to the onlookers that the Serbians were getting the worst of the encounter.