But it was only for a minute or two. Then the
last of the supply fleet; that is, the last afloat, came through, and the
gap that they had made was closed up at once by the enemy, who still hung
on their rear and who were yet shouting and firing.
The Americans gave a great cheer, deep and full throated, but they did not
pause in their great effort. Boats swung off toward either bank of the
bayou's mouth. The skirmishers in the bushes who had done such useful work
must be taken on board. Theirs was now the most dangerous position of all,
pursued as they certainly would be by the horde of Indians and outlaws,
bent upon revenge.
The boat containing the five was among those that touched the northern
side of the bayou's mouth, and everyone of them, rifle in hand, instantly
sprang ashore.
CHAPTER XXI
THE DEFENSE OF THE FIVE
Henry Ware was the first on land, Shif'less Sol came just behind him, and
then the other three. The boat from which they had leaped, and which now
contained but two oarsmen, swung back a little into the stream, and in a
moment the darkness, closing down, shut it from view. They stood in a
patch of undergrowth and the battle still flamed around them on the bayou,
on the river, and in the woods.
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