uman marched up, and he was caught between two
fires, with the second battalion pressing him in the rear.

But the Confederate leader was a "fire-eater," in the most positive
meaning of that term, and he resolved to make a dash for liberty by
attempting to break through Deck's command, since the field on the
road's right did not look like a promising one to enter, being broken by
a ditch and several swamps, into which horses and infantry were bound
to go down. He yelled to his leading cavalry to follow him, and, waving
his sabre over his head, charged down upon Deck like a veritable demon.

CHAPTER IX

MAJOR DECK LYON MAKES A PROMISE

"They are coming, Major!" shouted Captain Abbey, as the Confederate
leader forced his cavalry on the charge. "What had we best do?"

"Draw--pistols!" shouted Deck, by way of an answer. "Give them a round
as soon as they turn the bend."

The command had hardly been given when the first company opened fire,
followed by the second company, both wheeling to the left to let the
other companies fire. By this time the Confederates were answering with
their pistols; but, on account of their rapid riding, their aim was
poor, and the shots did but little damage.

The young major was a central figure in the combat, and more than one
soldier in gray directed his fire at him. But he escaped unharmed, to
find himself, two minutes later, faced by the Confederate leader,
wearing the straps of a major also.

The fellow was all of six feet tall, heavy-set, with a black mustache,
and beady black eyes, that somehow put Deck in mind of a rattlesnake
ready to strike. He came on, giving the Confederate yell heard so many
times before, and to be heard so many times afterward--a yell no pen can
describe, and one which arose, clear and full, above the clash of arms.

"Down you go!" hissed the major in gray, as he advanced upon Deck with
his sabre pointed, as if to run him through. His look was sufficient to
paralyze any ordinary man; but Deck did not quail, having been
confronted thus before. He spoke to Ceph, and the intelligent animal
reared up, and came down on one side, and a sharp blow from Deck's
weapon caused the Confederate's sabre to fly from his hand.

The Confederate was astonished, almost dumfounded, for he had calculated
that such a youthful commander would be "easy meat" for him. With
another yell he swung his horse in a circle to avoid a second blow from
Deck, and then, pulling his