In truth the Gatling was now sadly needed at the gate, for Lieutenant Holmes was having the fight of his life. Swarms of fanatic Moros were attempting to rush the small party of regulars.
The Gatling, placed in a position commanding the gate and sweeping all in front of it, soon checked the desperate attack at this point. The Moros could yet swarm the walls on all sides, however. The fight was far from won.
There was a chance still to close the huge wooden gate, and this Captain Freeman, with a few of his men, succeeded in doing just as the Gatling was withdrawn.
Suddenly it occurred to Captain Freeman that the night was passing and that the first dull light of day was creeping over the scene.
At the commanding officer's side Sergeant Hal Overton reported, saluting and saying:
"Sir, I have a suggestion to offer."
"State it, Sergeant."
"It seems like an almost dastardly thing to do, sir, but the death of the datto stopped the fighting inside. Wouldn't it be a good plan, sir, since the datto is assuredly dead, to have his body placed upon the top of the wall and hurled over to the Moros outside? When they behold that sight they may feel that their cause is gone."
"That is the best suggestion that could be made. You attend to it, Sergeant."
"Very good, sir."