The Underdogs, a Story of the Mexican Revolution by Mariano Azuela
page 100 of 196 (51%)
page 100 of 196 (51%)
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afraid to order a new charge. That was when Demetrio
Macias plunged in. Did he wait for orders? Not he! He just shouted: "'Come on, boys! Let's go for them!' "'Damn fool!' I thought. 'What the hell does he think he's doing!' "The officers, surprised, said nothing. Demetrio's horse seemed to wear eagle's claws instead of hoofs, it soared so swiftly over the rocks. 'Come on! Come on!' his men shouted, following him like wild deer, horses and men welded into a mad stampede. Only one young fellow stepped wild and fell headlong into the pit. In a few sec- onds the others appeared at the top of the hill, storming the trenches and killing the Federals by the thousand. With his rope, Demetrio lassoed the machine guns and carried them off, like a bull herd throwing a steer. Yet his success could not last much longer, for the Federals were far stronger in numbers and could easily have de- stroyed Demetrio and his men. But we took advantage of their confusion, we rushed upon them and they soon cleared out of their position. That chief of yours is a wonderful soldier!" Standing on the crest of the hill, they could easily sight one side of the Bufa peak. Its highest crag spread out like the feathered head of a proud Aztec king. The three- hundred-foot slope was literally covered with dead, their hair matted, their clothes clotted with grime and blood. |
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