Part 56 (1/2)

The crowd had pressed closer, watching Stuart with increasing excitement.

The sentinel clubbed his musket and pressed against the front men savagely.

”Stand back!”

The people slowly retreated. Lee turned to Lieutenant Green.

”Your men are ready for action?”

”They await your orders, sir.”

”I suppose you wish the honor of leading the troops in taking these men out of the Engine House?”

Green smiled and bowed.

”Thank you, Colonel!”

”Pick a detail of only twelve men, with a reserve of twelve more. When Lieutenant Stuart gives you the signal, a.s.sault the Engine House and batter down the doors with sledge hammers--”

Green saluted.

”Yes, sir.”

Lee spoke his next command in sharp emphasis.

”The citizens inside whom the raiders are holding must not be harmed.

See to this when you gain an entrance. Once inside, pick your enemies.

You understand?”

”Perfectly, sir.”

”Hold your men in check until the signal to attack. I hope it will not be necessary to give it. I shall do my best to avoid further bloodshed.”

”All right, sir.”

Green saluted and stood at attention awaiting the arrival of Stuart.

Lee's aide had approached the Engine House, watched in breathless suspense by a crowd of more than two thousand people. In spite of the efforts of the sentinels they had jammed every inch of s.p.a.ce commanding a view of the enclosure.

When Stuart reached the bullet-marked door he called:

”For Mr. Smith, the commander of the invaders, I have a communication from Colonel Lee!”

Brown opened the door about four inches and placed his body against the crack. Stuart could see through the opening his hand gripping a rifle.

He refused to open it further and the parley was held with the door ajar.

He at last allowed Stuart to enter.