Therefore he was ready to step in, this gallant son of Neptune who had seen many a hot engagement under the flag of St. George.
"We must cut through or all is lost!" cried Roderic, clinching his teeth in anticipation of the hot time that was coming.
"Good. I'm with you!" snapped the sailor, grimly.
Leon had been armed and was eager for the fray—eager to strike a blow because of the suffering and indignities put upon him by these Spanish tories who loved not Porto Rico.
"Forward, then, and God defend the right!"
Roderic had hardly spoken before they were once again in motion, having involuntarily halted at first sight of the foe.
As the Spaniards had also started forward, the two hostile bodies were advancing toward each other with a rapidity that promised to speedily bring them into contact.
Roderic's martial spirit was fully awakened.
He only feared for the devoted girl who clung so closely to him—on her account he was like a lion aroused, and all thought of pity for those against whom they must come in battle array vanished from his heart.
Beven knew the advantage that must accrue from a hot fire delivered before the others thought of opening the engagement.