m, they were immediately led to the front, where the batteries which
had been pouring a hot fire into the enemy were in imminent danger of
being surrounded. Indeed, the swoop of the rebel infantry upon the guns
had already been made, and the cannoneers had been driven from their
stations. With the colonel on the right, and the adjutant in command on
the left, the regiment charged upon the foe, as it had twice before
charged on that eventful day, with an enthusiasm bordering upon fury.

The rebels had even spiked one of the guns, and they maintained their
position with an obstinacy which promised the annihilation of one or the
other of the contending forces. A desperate strife ensued, in which the
least perceptible advantage was gained by the Federals. But if they could
do no more, they held the enemy in check, till the gunners could charge
their pieces with grape and canister, which they poured into the rebels
with the most deadly effect.

"Hurrah!" shouted Tom, as the rebels quaked before the withering storm of
shot belched forth by the guns of the battery. "They shake! Give it to
them!"

"Steady, my men! steady," said Captain Benson. "The ammunition of the
battery is expended," he added, as the cannon ceased their work of
destruction. "We must hold these pieces, and every man must do his duty."

"Ay, ay, sir!" replied Tom, vigorously, and the cry was repeated through
the company.

As soon as the guns were thus rendered useless, the enemy swept down upon
the supports again, intent upon capturing the pieces. They advanced with
that terrific yell which is enough of itself to frighten a nervous man,
and with an impetuosity which nothing human could resist. Our regiment
recoiled under the shock; but it was forced back by the sheer stress of
numbers.

"Rally men! Rally, my brave fellows!" shouted the adjutant, in command of
the left wing.

"Stand stiff! Roll them back!" roared the colonel.

"Steady, men!" added Captain Benson.

"Now, give it to them!" screamed Tom, as he plunged his bayonet into the
vitals of the rebel in front of him, and pushed forward into the very
midst of the foe.

The sergeant seemed suddenly to be endowed with the strength of a giant,
and he held his own till Hapgood sprang to his assistance. The rest of the
line, inspired by this daring conduct, rushed forward, and fell upon the
foe with a fury that could not be resisted.

"Bravo! Bravo, Tom!" shouted the captain. "Go in, boys!" roared