Young Glory and the Spanish cruiser

by Walter Fenton Mott

The lieutenant was as brave as a lion, but he saw only one issue to the fight.

"Would that Young Glory were here!" he cried. "He's equal to twenty men!"

Then the two forces closed in a fierce fight.

Back the Americans retreated. Well they might do so.

The enemy was more than four to one, and the weight of numbers was irresistible. But the Nashville's blue jackets fought desperately, and for every American sailor that fell, four Spaniards were stretched on the deck.

"The victory shall cost them dear!" hissed Mr. Tyler.

He knew that his men would fight to the last.

Captain Moret, entirely unmoved, saw his men falling like flies. What did he care? A Spanish officer places no value on the lives of those under him, and besides, he knew that his men must win.

Ha! what was that?

A terrific shout was heard now, above the clashing of steel.