Over near the battery just mentioned stood General Lawton, tall and erect, directing every movement, without a single thought of personal danger. Many a shot was directed at him, but he seemed to bear a charmed life.
“San Rafael will soon be ours,” said one of the officers of the staff. “See, the enemy are retreating!” he cried enthusiastically.
At that moment an orderly dashed up, carrying an order from General Otis. The order read that the column must rest at Angat until supplies could be forwarded from Malolos. A shadow fell over the commando’s face. Another victory was at hand—but orders were orders, and must be obeyed. Slowly the retreat was sounded, and the insurgents 100 were left in possession of the field. They thought the Americans were being forced back on account of a heavy loss, and went almost wild with delight, proclaiming the encounter a great victory for the Filipino cause.
CHAPTER XI
THE CROSSING OF THE RIO GRANDE RIVER
“For gracious’ sake, what did we want to retreat for?” demanded Ben, as soon as the command halted and Major Morris had come within speaking distance. The young captain had been at the very front of the firing line, and had seen that complete victory was only the work of a quarter of an hour or less.
“Orders from general headquarters,” replied the major, in a low tone. “I fancy the staff is pretty angry, too,” he added.
“We could have whipped them with ease.”