The command was instantly obeyed. With bayonets bared and with cheers and shouts the white men bravely dashed forward. The troops may have displayed cowardice in some of the previous engagements of the war, but they were redeeming themselves now. Fearlessly and gallantly they rushed at top speed to dislodge the enemy from his position.
“There is no load in my gun, Bob,” shouted Joseph.
“You don’t need it,” cried Robert. “We’ll chase ’em out of there with our fists if we haven’t anything else. My gun is loaded, but I don’t need it.”
A galling fire greeted their advance and several of the men dropped. The volley was returned but feebly, for most of the men were in the condition of Joseph and John Mason; that is, their guns were empty. No one halted for a second, however; all increased their pace.
“I’ll save my load,” thought Robert to himself. “I may need it more in a few minutes than I do now.”
At this moment a man on a gray horse dashed madly past him. Robert recognized the rider as Colonel Jones, one of the officers. As he glanced up at the fearless rider a bullet struck the horse, killing it instantly. Colonel Jones was pitched headlong to the ground and Robert rushed to see if he was hurt.
“Were you hit, Colonel?” he demanded anxiously.
“Never touched me,” came the quick reply, and instantly jumping to his feet the gallant officer continued the advance. “Follow me!” he shouted, and with a cheer the men closed in behind him.
Absolutely regardless of consequences, fearlessly the men charged. The grass which the Indians occupied was at least six feet tall, a fact which rendered it very difficult for the Whites to see their opponents. Not one man faltered, however.
Soon they came to the edge of the grass and a desperate hand to hand encounter took place. Stabbing with their bayonets and using the butt ends of their guns the white soldiers slowly but surely forced their redskinned foes to fall back. Every inch of ground was contested stubbornly and desperately. The men became separated from one another and individual combats took place everywhere.
Robert had forced his way clear through to the opposite side of the high grass and emerged into the open. As he came out he saw a white man suddenly trip and fall headlong to the ground. With a howl of rage a painted warrior sprang at the fallen soldier with upraised tomahawk.