"Yes, sir."
Prescott and two privates were working at lightning speed to get the Gatling placed. Then the lieutenant fed in a belt of ammunition.
"Sergeant Terry, relieve Sergeant Overton in charge of the advancing firing line. Overton, come here."
"Yes, sir," responded Hal, running up and saluting.
Lieutenant Prescott was just finishing the sighting of the Gatling.
"Attend to the firing of this piece, Sergeant. Fire steadily, though not at fullest speed. Keep it going continuously until it becomes too hot, or until I give the word to stop."
"Very good, sir."
"Begin firing, Sergeant."
Hal's answer was to turn the firing mechanism loose.
R-r-r-r-rip! rang out the exploding cartridges too rapidly for count. Hal swung the nose of the piece slightly from side to side, and the storm of Gatling bullets raked thoroughly the road ahead.