Page:Into Mexico with General Scott (1920).djvu/220

 "Order—arms! Battalion—rest!" barked Major Francis Lee to the Fourth Infantry.

The whole column might stand at ease while General Worth and his staff, riding to a better position, examined the ground through their glasses. An aide came with orders for the brigade.

"The general's compliments, colonel, and you will please encamp your brigade on the right of the road," he shouted, to Colonel Garland.

The regiments were moved over. The Second Brigade also went into camp behind. The companies were cautioned to stay near their stacked arms in readiness for action. The flags of the Mexican batteries could be seen plainly; the notes of their bugles could be heard. A cannon boomed, and a round-shot whined down the road.

"B' gorry, this day we make a horn or spoil a spoon," Corporal Finerty declared. "Who's for climbin' over thim breastworks?"

"I!" and "I!" and "Here's your man!" were the replies.

"Less noise there, sergeant," called Captain Gore.

"You hear? Hould your breaths, for you'll nade 'em," Sergeant Mulligan rebuked.

"Sure, sergeant, wan Cerry Gordo shout an' thim beggars'd be showin' us their heels," Corporal Finerty grinned.

"Here he comes! Old Fuss and Feathers himself! 'Tis like a smell o' powder—the sight of him. Are ye all primed, boys? We're in for a fight."

General Scott and staff galloped up. General Worth received him at division headquarters in a ranch house near the rear; they all proceeded to ex