He did not press forward to inquire further into Jose's fate, but flying through the wood at full speed, he burst in on his astonished comrades.
"Saved!" he cried.
"Saved, Young Glory! What does this mean?"
"That I will lead you into the fort, sir. Follow me!"
Stealthily the entire band, hidden from view by the trees, reached the door.
"When it is open, dash in!" said Young Glory. "Not a moment must be lost!"
The men were astounded to see him walk up to the door in the rampart, insert the key in the lock, and open it. Madly they rushed through into the fort.
The Spaniards were standing at the guns when this sudden attack took place, thinking that the enemy was in front. They had no time to rally.
Young Glory leading, the American sailors pressed forward, cutting down all in their path. A few of the Spaniards resisted for a few minutes. Then they threw down their arms in token of surrender.
A number of them saved themselves by jumping off the rampart and flying through the woods.