Part 25 (2/2)
The tide of battle had pa.s.sed them by.
Such of the Spaniards as had not thrown down their arms had retreated in a body towards Lieutenant Tyler's force, with Young Glory and his band of fifty blue jackets in hot pursuit.
”It's your beautiful uniform I'm afther spoilin',” said Dan, as he gave a thrust. ”Arrah! but that was a great stroke, though it's meself as says it.”
The stroke in question was a severe cut on Captain Moret's sword arm, which caused him instantly to pa.s.s his weapon into his left hand.
”Ould gentleman,” said Dan, ”it's a poor chance ye have. Surrender!”
”Never! While my men fight I will!”
”Begorra, but it's a nuisance ye are. I'm bound to kape ye alive, an'
while I'm here I'm afther losin' all the great fight that's goin' on.
Ah! it's Dan Daly's the man was born under an unlucky star.”
It was perfectly clear that the Spanish captain was in Dan's power.
Every moment he weakened, though he continued from time to time to make frantic thrusts at the Irishman. Faintness from loss of blood was coming over him, and it was with difficulty that he kept on his feet.
”Betther give up, captain dear,” said Dan in a most insinuating voice.
”What! I hand my sword over to a common sailor!”
”To the last of the Dalys!” replied Dan, drawing himself up proudly as the Spaniard had done. ”It's a king I'd be if I had my rights.”
”Three cheers for King Dan!” shouted a voice.
”Young Glory!”
But Dan never turned his head. He was making pa.s.ses at the Spanish captain as if he meant to pin him to the mast.
”Surrender!” cried Dan once more.
”To you, never!”
”But to me, captain,” said a voice that caused Dan to start. ”I am the commander of the Nashville.”
Dan was completely astounded to find Captain Long beside him.
The Spanish captain bowed, and without a word he handed his sword to Captain Long.
”Faith!” exclaimed Dan, ”I'm not understandin' it at all. Young Glory, why are you here when there's fightin' to be done?”
”You don't understand, Dan. I do. Look!”
Young Glory pointed to the masthead of the s.h.i.+p. There, Dan Daly, to his astonishment saw the Stars and Stripes flying.
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