“They’re trying to flank us.”
“Where are they?”
As he spoke the sharp bark of several rifles sounded from some very tall grass on one side of the battlefield. The Indians who had apparently retreated, as a matter of fact had stolen around and into the grass where they opened a heavy fire on the Whites. For a moment the army was taken by surprise, but it did not last long. Quick action was needed and quick action was taken, and luckily too. Had the Indians succeeded in getting behind the Whites they could have caused enormous damage.
“Charge them!” shouted General Henry.
The command was instantly obeyed. With bayonets bared and with cheers and shouts the white men bravely dashed forward. The troops may have displayed cowardice in some of the previous engagements of the war, but they were redeeming themselves now. Fearlessly and gallantly they rushed at top speed to dislodge the enemy from his position.
“There is no load in my gun, Bob,” shouted Joseph.
“Nor in mine,” echoed John Mason.
“You don’t need it,” cried Robert. “We’ll chase ’em out of there with our fists if we haven’t anything else. My gun is loaded, but I don’t need it.”
A galling fire greeted their advance and several of the men dropped. The volley was returned but feebly, for most of the men were in the condition of Joseph and John Mason; that is, their guns were empty. No one halted for a second, however; all increased their pace.
“I’ll save my load,” thought Robert to himself. “I may need it more in a few minutes than I do now.”