"Charge!" yelled a captain, savagely. "Break right through the Northern mudsills!"
And the Confederates charged, straight for the two companies commanded by Captain Richland and Artie Lyon.
CHAPTER XII
IN THE BURNING COTTON MILL
The two companies were in such positions that Captain Artie's command would be the first to receive the charge of the Confederates, who were coming on yelling like demons. The enemy felt that the chances of escape were slim, and came on in sheer desperation; and a crowd of desperate men can accomplish a good deal at times.
But Artie, youthful as he was, did not quail. As rapidly as it could be accomplished, he wheeled to one side and shouted to his first line to "Take aim—fire!" And the blaze of the carbines caused a temporary check.
As the Confederates came on again, the second line emptied their weapons. Again there was a halt, and the enemy's line split, as though the men had thought better of it and were desirous of running around the Union soldiers.
Artie saw the movement and turned to Captain Richland. "I can take care of the crowd on the right," he said.