"Shure, an' it's more than I'd give for ye," laughed Dan Daly. "A thousand dollars! Begorra, it's yourself won't be afther getting it."
And with these words Dan launched a terrific blow at the Spaniard nearest to him. The man dropped.
"Shure, it's right I was."
Dan turned his attention elsewhere, and Young Glory was defending himself bravely.
His comrades had heard the Spanish officer put a price upon the young hero's head, and the horrible proceeding infuriated them. They flew to his assistance, clustering around him to protect him from harm.
It was a terrible struggle. It must be said for the Spaniards that they fought bravely. They vastly outnumbered the Americans, and this may have given them courage. However, the end was near.
One after another the leading men in the Spanish ranks were shot down and killed with the cutlass. The survivors began to falter.
"Courage!" cried an officer, dashing up and waving his sword. "Courage! Stand your ground! Help is at hand!"
Those words stayed the retreat. Back to the rocks at the charge rushed the Spaniards, some of them looking anxiously around for the promised aid.
There was a wild cheer from the Spanish ranks now. Three large boats, each filled with soldiers, swept round the point.