had been General Lawton's intention to attack the town from in
front in the dark, that plan had now to be changed, and the expedition
turned toward shore at a point at least three miles from the town
proper.

But even here the rebels could be seen to be on the alert, and a
rapid-firing gun was put into action and directed along the lake
front. The gun was manned by some men from the _Napadan_, and did such
wonderful execution that soon the insurgent sentries were seen to be
fleeing toward the town at utmost speed. Then a small detachment from
some brush also retreated, and the coast was clear.

It was no easy matter to land, as the water here was shallow and the
cascos had to be poled along over the soft mud. The sharpshooters were
the first ashore, and they soon cleared a spot for the others. But a
few of the rebels were "game," and as a result one man was wounded,
although not seriously. The cavalry remained on the boats, to land
closer to the hill later on.

The landing had consumed much valuable time, and it was now after
noon. A hasty meal was had, and then the column moved off, spreading
out in fan shape as it advanced, the sharpshooters to the front and
the rear, and a number of special scouts on the alert to give the
first warning of danger. Soon the scouts in front came back with the
news that the insurgents were forming in front of our troops and that
Santa Cruz and its garrison seemed thoroughly aroused to the danger
which threatened.

"Forward, boys!" was the cry. "The more time we give them, the better
they will be prepared to meet us. Forward without delay!" And the
"boys" went forward with a wild hurrah, for everything promised well,
and they were much pleased to have General Lawton lead them, even
though they had no fault to find with their other commanders.

The first skirmish began on the extreme right. Some rebels had found
their way to a hill behind the town, and they began the attack from a
patch of wild plantains, thickly interlaced with tropical vines. Up
the hill after them dashed the right wing, and the sharp rattle of
musketry resounded upon both sides for the best part of half an hour.
Then the rebels broke and ran, and in their eagerness our troops
followed them until a point less than two miles from Santa Cruz was
gained. Here the insurgents scattered, and could not be rounded up,
and the right wing fell back, to unite with the main body of the
expedition. But the woods were thick, th