of the fire from the fort to commence their fierce and
impetuous attack. That that fire could not long be
sustained was evident, since ammunition could ill be
spared for the present inefficient purpose, where supplies
of all kinds were so difficult to be obtained; and, if
he should attempt a retreat, the upright position of his
men exposed them to the risk of being swept away by the
ponderous metal, that already fanned their cheeks with
the air it so rapidly divided. Suddenly, however, the
fire from the batteries was discontinued, and this he
knew to be a signal for himself. He gave an order in a
low voice, and the detachment quitted their recumbent
and defensive position, still remaining formed in square.
At the same instant, a gun flashed from the fort; but
not as before was heard the rushing sound of the destructive
shot crushing the trees in its resistless course. The
Indians took courage at this circumstance, for they deemed
the bullets of their enemies were expended; and that they
were merely discharging their powder to keep up the
apprehension originally produced. Again they showed
themselves, like so many demons, from behind their lurking
places; and yells and shouts of the most terrific and
threatening character once more rent the air, and echoed
through the woods. Their cries of anticipated triumph
were, however, but of short duration. Presently, a
hissing noise was heard in the air; and close to the
bomb-proof, and at the very skirt of the forest, they
beheld a huge globe of iron fall perpendicularly to the
earth, to the outer part of which was attached what they
supposed to be a reed, that spat forth innumerable sparks