r twenty shots before their guns were flying in the air, their earthworks
a mass of blood-stained dust, and their gunners running for their lives.
Both the _Peoria_ and the _Helena_ were struck several times, chiefly by
shrapnel, but no one on either ship was injured. As they withdrew, several
buildings on shore were in flames.

That afternoon both ships again turned their attention to the fort and the
entrenchments at the mouth of the Tallabacoa River, and for half an hour
poured a wicked fire upon them. The Spaniards had been largely reinforced
during the day, and some field-pieces had been mounted near the fort.
These replied to the American fire, but without effect, and the shells of
the two ships speedily silenced them. The iron blockhouse was struck
repeatedly, and the earthworks were partially destroyed. No damage was
done to the ships, and they again withdrew.

That night the Spaniards burned a large wharf and the adjacent buildings,
evidently expecting a landing in force the next day.

It was learned from various sources that reinforcements were pouring into
Las Tunas from all directions; a newspaper from Sancti Spiritus stated
that two thousand men had been despatched from the nearest trocha. It was
determined to proceed during the night to Palo Alto, fifty miles to the
eastward, the _Helena_ remaining at Las Tunas to confirm the Spaniards in
the belief that an attempt was to be made to land there.

_July 2._ At ten o'clock Saturday night, while the _Helena_ lay offshore,
making lively play with her search-lights toward shore, the _Peoria_, the
_Florida_, and the _Fanita_, with all lights out, slipped silently away.
Palo Alto was reached at daybreak. There was not a Spaniard to be seen,
and the men and cargo were put ashore without a single obstacle.

[Illustration: GENERAL GOMEZ.]

_July 4._ Gomez, with two thousand men, was known to be in the vicinity,
and scouts hurried into his lines. On Monday the old warrior appeared in
person at Palo Alto.

_July 5._ A steamer was sighted about midnight by the U. S. S. _Hawk_,
formerly the yacht _Hermione_, off the north coast of Pinar del Rio,
steaming eastward, close inshore. She paid no attention to three shots
across her bow, or a signal to heave to. The _Hawk_ then opened fire and
gave chase.

Twenty-five shots were fired, of which only three were without effect. The
vessel was soon on fire, and flew signals of distress while making full
speed head on to