Part 24 (1/2)
The Spaniards stood aghast at this exhibition of strength. By this time Young Glory had obtained another cutla.s.s, and Dan had relieved himself of his remaining foe.
The fight became general again. Mr. Tyler was acting on the defensive now. If he could only sustain the contest, he felt convinced that he could tire out the Spaniards.
His men were shooting down the enemy rapidly, and, besides, the riflemen on the Nashville were doing terrible damage.
All at once there was a lull.
The Spaniards called off their men. They got into shelter, and ceased to attack the Americans.
”What does it mean?”
”Sir, it's enough they've had.”
”Looks like it, Dan.”
”It's givin' up they'll be in a minute.”
”No,” said Young Glory, decidedly.
”Why, what d'you mean?”
”I know what they're doing, sir. I heard the calls and caught some of the orders given, and I understand them. We shall have the hottest time of all.”
”How so?”
”Captain Moret has rallied together all the men on the s.h.i.+p, every man of them, and they'll come against us like an avalanche.”
”They will sweep us from the s.h.i.+p!” cried Mr. Tyler, aghast at the prospect.
Even Dan Daly was silent. For once the Irishman could not see a bit of blue sky in the prospect.
”It's retreatin' we ought to be!” cried the Irishman.
”And have them attack our s.h.i.+p?”
”Faith, it's there I want to lure the spalpeens; we'd have an aisy mark on the Nashville. Shure, sir,” asked Dan in an injured tone, ”it wasn't afraid you thought I was?”
”No, no, Dan.”
”Begorra, an' it's betther I feel. But where's Young Glory?”
”Young Glory! why, he's gone!”
”Gone!”
Yes, that was the fact. Young Glory had deserted in the thick of the fight, and a blank look of despair came over every face when they saw what had happened.
”Deserted! shown the white feather!” muttered Lieutenant Tyler. ”I couldn't have believed it of Young Glory.”