Page:Into Mexico with General Scott (1920).djvu/320

 "That's all right. I can use you. Supposing some of us mounted a light gun in the belfry of that church yonder. We ought to do execution. What do you think?"

"Yes, sir. That would be a fine place," Jerry agreed.

The church was located one hundred yards toward the ctiy wall and off at the south side of the road. It had a flat roof and a belfry; but the Mexican sharpshooters favored the houses that commanded the road and had let the church alone.

Lieutenant Grant acted at once.

"Very well, we'll try it if we can get the gun. You run back, sir, to the howitzer battery, and ask for a gun and gun crew. Tell them I'll be responsible for the report to General Worth."

Jerry ran, ducking, and wondering whether he would have to cross that fearful road up which iron and lead were streaming from the San Cosme gate battery. He was lucky; met, first, a lieutenant of Voltigeurs—

"Here! Where you going, bub?"

"I want a howitzer, sir. I'm under orders from Lieutenant Grant, of the Fourth."

"You are? What's the trouble?"

"He's going to put it in the belfry of that church, sir. Then we'll be above the roofs and the gate."

The lieutenant took a look. He was as smart as a whip.

"By thunder, a good idea! I'll get the howitzer. You wait here."

"And a squad to serve it, sir," Jerry anxiously called after.