The advance of the Japanese to the water’s edge was in open-front order. But the fords were narrow, and as a consequence the infantry had to bunch up the instant they entered the stream. They now formed an excellent target for the Russians behind the hills of the other shore, and man after man dropped, as bullets and shrapnel came whistling in that direction. But the advance was not checked, those in the rear fairly pushing those in front ahead. As the batteries of the Mikado had now discovered the position of the enemy’s guns, they did all they could to silence the pieces. This bombardment was deafening and created a great smoke which swept along the river like a pall.
Along with their commands, Gilbert and Ben plunged into the stream, which at some points in the fords was waist-deep. The footing was slippery, and they had to be careful to keep from going down. Some did fall, among them Carl Stummer, who struck on his back with a loud splash and then disappeared for a second.
“Hullo, Cart, are ye hit?” sang out Dan Casey, who was close by.
“No, I ton’t vos hit,” spluttered the German sharpshooter. “Put I got me apout a gallon of vater in alretty! Of I known der rifer vos so schlippery, I but me sbikes mine shoes in, hey?”
“’Twouldn’t be a bad idea,” answered Casey, with a grin. “But come on, onless ye want to be lift behind,” and forward he raced, to rejoin those who had plunged ahead.
As the infantry gained the middle of the stream the fire of the Russians became hotter than ever. Soldiers went down by the score, some few killed and the rest wounded. Of the latter, sad to relate, many were drowned before they could be picked up.
As Gilbert plunged on, he and his command drew closer to the sharpshooters who were following Dan Casey. The gallant Irishman was shouting and hurrahing wildly, and waving his hand for the others to hurry up.
“Come, b’ys, come,” he called, regardless of the fact that nearly all the Japanese understood not a word of what he said. “Come, I tell ye! Be th’ first to make the Roossians run an’ win a medal! Don’t be after actin’ like ye had lead in yer feet! Banzai!”
The last word was understood, and “Banzai,” ran all along the line. The Irishman was well liked by all who knew him, and his courageous spirit made those around him press forward more eagerly than ever.
Like Stummer, Ben had slipped in the water, and this placed him a little behind Gilbert. The latter and Casey were almost side by side,—each in water up to his waist.