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Page 73
Thus was destroyed the fine squadron that had been a menace to the
Americans ever since the war began. Spain's loss was 600 human lives,
1200 prisoners, and six ships, valued at $12,000,000; while that of the
Americans was one man killed and three wounded, all on the _Brooklyn_,
together with a few trifling injuries to the _Brooklyn_, _Iowa_, and
_Texas_.
And Ridge Norris, from the deck of the little _Speedy_, had been a
spectator of the whole affair from beginning to end. Thrilled with
such excitement as he had never before known, he had seen ship after
ship wearing the proud colors of Spain driven helplessly to the beach
by the withering blasts of Yankee gunnery, until all were destroyed.
Never before had our young American been so proud of his country and
his countrymen. Now his wonderful day was to be crowned with a great
honor; for, no sooner was it certain that the _Colon_ had surrendered,
than a message from the flag-ship bade the _Speedy_ return with all
haste to Siboney and land the army officer whom she had brought out,
that he might convey the glorious news to General Shafter and the men
in the trenches before Santiago.
"That's you, old man!" cried Ensign Comly, "And I envy you your present
job a heap more than I did the one you were undertaking the last time
we set you ashore."
So back past the blazing wrecks of Cervera's squadron and on to Siboney
dashed the despatch-boat. The transport from which Ridge had been
rescued that morning still lay in the harbor, and her Captain, hailing
the _Speedy_, eagerly asked for news; but none was given him, and he
was treated to a contemptuous silence that caused him to grow more
purple-faced than ever.
As Ridge was rowed ashore he directed Ensign Comly's attention to a
large steam-yacht painted lead-color in imitation of the war-ships, but
flying a Red Cross flag, that had evidently just arrived.
"She looks a little like Rollo Van Kyp's _Royal Flush_," he said; "but
what is her name? G-r-a-y--Gray man? Gray mare? Oh no, _Gray Nun_.
Queer name for a yacht, isn't it?"
"Yes; and those nurses on her deck don't look a bit like nuns," replied
Ensign Comly. "Believe I'll make a call if we lie here this evening,
for I understand that some of the nicest girls in the country have
enlisted under the Red Cross since you chaps were sent to Santiago."
"Wish I could join you," sighed Ridge; "only I haven't spoken to a girl
in so long that I shouldn't know what to say."
CHAPTER XXVIII
LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN
The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been
rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had
made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost
unharmed. How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like
wildfire, and was generally believed. There was ample opportunity for
discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce
an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago. So
the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch
themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between
the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups
of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish
sharp-shooter. It was a very novel sensation, and they enjoyed it. At
the same time they were not happy, for Cervera's ships had escaped.
What could the Yankee sailors have been about to let such a thing
happen? What a disgrace it was, and how the whole world would jeer!
Even Santiago seemed hardly worth capturing now.
All at once a sound of shouting was borne faintly to their ears from
the distant rear. What had happened? Had they been outflanked by the
Spaniards and attacked from that direction? No, for a band was playing
on El Poso Hill, and the sound of shouting was advancing, like a roar
of the sea. No one looked towards Santiago now, but all eyes, turned
to the rear, were fixed on the point where the Sevilla road left the
timber. At this place they gazed in eager but silent anticipation.
Suddenly a horseman emerged from it and dashed at full speed across the
valley, waving his hat and yelling as he came.
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