A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at the surprised enemy but a rod away.
The lads were filled with joy; the reserves had arrived. Phil peered out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose number they did not know. Their confidence had flown; this terrible hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and bloodless victory. For an instant they hesitated; then they turned and retreated, a scathing fire from the coveted trenches impelling them onward in their flight for safety.
The excitement among the government troops was intense. The three Americans were cheered to the echo by the wildly joyful soldiers.
A group of horsemen galloped up the hill; they approached the trenches amid welcoming cries from the men.
“Come, Syd, we can do no more here,” Phil cried breathlessly. “Let’s get away quickly.”
With O’Neil, they pressed their way through the jubilant natives, but had gone but a short distance when they were stopped by a horseman; he reined in his foaming steed, swung himself from his saddle and placed himself smilingly before them.
“Our president desires to meet our American allies,” he cried proudly.
Phil’s countenance fell. He had been hoping to avoid this meeting, yet he could not refuse; to do so would have the appearance of a slight to the chief magistrate of the country.
He acknowledged the honor paid them with appropriate words, and then they followed the officer back toward the group of horsemen now halted in the rear of the trenches which the boys had just left.
“My good friends,” a familiar voice hailed in Spanish, and the next minute the lads were embraced by their warm friend, Captain Garcia.