Part 25 (1/2)
Captain Moret, entirely unmoved, saw his men falling like flies. What did he care? A Spanish officer places no value on the lives of those under him, and besides, he knew that his men must win.
Ha! what was that?
A terrific shout was heard now, above the clas.h.i.+ng of steel.
”Young Glory to the rescue!”
That was the cry that came from fifty lips.
Then in a moment all saw what had happened.
Captain Moret had stripped the fore part of the s.h.i.+p bare of men in order to concentrate them with the rest of his forces in making one final attack on the enemy.
The quick eye of Young Glory had detected the weak spot instantly.
”Young Glory to the rescue!” shouted the blue jackets, and on they came, taking the Spaniards in the rear.
Even now the men of the Cristobal Colon had nothing to fear, for they still vastly outnumbered the Americans, but this sudden and unexpected attack in the rear caused a panic.
Young Glory's terrible sword aided to the fear that filled the b.r.e.a.s.t.s of the Spaniards. All within reach of him dropped to the deck.
”Forward, men!” cried Lieutenant Tyler, ”the enemy weakens. Now is our chance!”
The Spaniards were a huddled and confused ma.s.s of human beings now. The last vestige of discipline had gone, and the officers who yet remained, struggled in vain with their men to inspire them with courage.
”Dogs!” they cried, ”the day is ours yet!”
”Faith, it's sorry to contradict ye, I am!” shouted Dan Daly, still in the front of the battle.
”Halloa, Dan!” cried Young Glory, looking across the intervening foe.
”This is a great day!”
”Great!”
Dan could say no more. He could not find any expression that exactly fitted the case.
The Spaniards now were throwing down their arms.
Captain Moret, in despair, rushed into the thick of the fight, endeavoring to rally his men.
”Cowards!” he cried, furiously. ”This is a black day for Spain!”
”Faith, old gentleman,” said Dan, ”she's had so many black days it won't be noticed, an' it's black herself she is wid crime.”
Captain Moret made a furious rush at the author of this insulting speech. The blades of the Irishman and the Spaniard crossed in fierce fight.
”Caramba! but you die!”
”Some day!” answered Dan, coolly, as he parried a furious blow. ”Ah! my gold-laced don, you're beginnin' to see that Dan Daly's handled a sword before.”
The two men were practically alone. Captain Moret had his back to the mast, and Dan, agile as a cat, despite his age, was hopping merrily round and round him.