For if they failed to reach shelter before the Spaniards came up the former situation would be just reversed and the Spaniards could hide and fire in safety.
And so the men set out at breakneck speed, as if they were in a hundred yard's dash.
"I think we can make it," thought Clif. "They seem to be a long ways behind."
The shouts of the enemy indicated it; Clif's volley had seemed to deprive them of their former confidence and rashness.
But unfortunately, they were not the only Spaniards in Cuba. The firing had not failed to attract attention.
The Americans had reached about the centre of the broad plain. There was high grass and cane upon it, and that made even walking hard. But the men still plunged on bravely, though they were gasping for breath.
But then something happened that made them gasp still more.
For the shouts of the enemy in the rear were suddenly answered.
And the answer came from in front.
The sailors halted and stared at each other in consternation.