of them so intent upon getting a shot at the Union
soldiers, that they paid no attention to the events transpiring in the
rear of them; probably deeming it impossible for an enemy to approach in
that direction.

The lieutenant had but fifteen men left to execute his part of the
scheme, and there seemed to be double that number of graybacks lurking in
and about the house. Everything depended upon his effecting the requisite
junction with the force of the captain. As his superior had but a short
distance to march, it was probable that he was already in position to
support him; and he decided to make the attack without permitting any
delay to rob him of the chances of success.

"Now, double-quick, forward!" shouted Somers, as he rose from the ground,
and led the way to a position where he could intercept the retreat of the
rebels.

Agreeably to the instructions previously given, his men stretched out
into an extended line, and commenced firing at will upon the luckless
graybacks who were in sight. It did not take them long to find out that
they were assailed by a fire in the rear.

"Surrender!" shouted Captain de Banyan, who at this moment appeared at
the head of his men.

The rebels were not disposed to accept this polite invitation, but began
to fall back from the house in good order. They discharged their pieces
at the force in front, and then started at a run to effect their escape
in the opposite direction. They forgot for the moment that they had been
fired upon from the rear, or else thought that the fire had been directed
by some of their own people at the Yankees who had so suddenly attacked
in front.

"Surrender!" shouted Lieutenant Somers, as the retreating rebels
approached his line.

They halted at this unexpected summons. The officer in command of them
took a hasty survey of the situation, and then ordered his troops to cut
their way through the thin line between them and the rebel field-works.
The commander of the rebel pickets was a gallant fellow; and, drawing his
sword, he rushed towards the spot where the lieutenant was stationed.
Discharging his pistol with the left hand at Somers, he dashed forward
like a festive horse.

Both parties had discharged their guns, and there was no time to reload
them. Some of the rebels had bayonets, and some had not; and, with the
fury of their brave leader, they attempted to break their way through the
line. A sharp but very irregular conflict ensued, the rebel