Morro. Before the end of the second hour the "New York" and the "New
Orleans" had succeeded in completely silencing Cayo Battery,
dismantling the guns and wrecking the outer fortifications.

At the other end of the line Admiral Schley's division was doing
splendid work. We could see the "Massachusetts," "Brooklyn," and "Texas"
move in toward shore and open fire at close range. It was a stirring
sight, this mighty duel between warships and forts. As compared with the
cliffs and hills of the land, the ships seemed veritable pigmies, but in
this strife the pigmies were all powerful.

The guns of the fleet were working havoc in the forts ashore, and we
could see the Spanish artillerymen abandon battery after battery. Cayo,
Punta Gorda, Estrella, and Catalena were rapidly being vacated. The
former was entirely out of the fight, and the others were replying only
at intervals. Presently the "Massachusetts" and "Marblehead" advanced
within two thousand yards of the Estrella fortification and began such a
terrific firing that within a few minutes a great cloud of smoke
appeared above the works. The Spanish guns became quiet at once, and a
rousing cheer went up from the fleet.

"Hay," in his exuberance, wanted to send a five-inch shell from our gun
at the burning fort, but the distance was too great and he was
compelled to be content with a couple of well-aimed shots at the
nearest battery.

"I wish we had thirteen-inch guns and the range was about ten feet,"
grumbled "Stump." "I'd like to smash the whole outfit in a pair of
minutes. By Cricky! we have poured enough good old American steel into
those forts to build a bridge across the Atlantic, but the dagoes are
still giving us guff."

"It won't last much longer," said Tommy reassuringly. "From the looks of
those batteries they haven't much fight left. I'll bet a hardtack
against a prune we haul off at four bells."

"Licked?" queried Flagg.

"Nope."

"Will the Spaniards give up?" asked "Dye."

Tommy hesitated before replying. It was a brief lull and we were resting
at the gun. The crew, grimy, dirty, battle-stained and tired, was glad
to lean against the side of the deck or a convenient stanchion. Tommy's
long service in the regular navy as apprentice and seaman made his
opinions official, and we were always glad to listen to his
explanations.

"Will the Spaniards give up?" repeated "Dye."

"Yes, and no," replied the first captain thoughtfully. "You see, it's
th