The lad was right. The insurgents had, unobserved by the defending army, dug a deep trench during the night, half-way between the two lines. The greater part of the assaulting army had advanced on Tortuga Hill until they had reached the shelter of this ditch, and then had, protected from their enemy’s fire, moved by the flank until they were directly in front of and but five hundred yards from the top of La Mesa. A withering fire came from the concealed men; bullets like hail sang about the Americans and their well-nigh demoralized men. The government batteries were directing a hot fire on the approaching masses; yet on they came determinedly. Phil knew that when the second column reached the trench thousands of soldiers would storm up the few hundred yards between them and their coveted prize, La Mesa. Would the machine guns have power to stem this irresistible host? “How near will you let them come?” questioned Sydney eagerly. Phil estimated the distance. “If we fire as they leave the trench, they might return to it and continue their artillery to shell us out,” he answered quickly. “It would be wiser to let them gain half the distance before we let them know they have the guns against them. They must see the reënforcements coming to us from Tortuga Hill, but they now believe the hill will be theirs without a struggle before they can get here.” The two midshipmen were at the highest pitch of excitement. They realized that the fortunes of the government of Verazala depended upon this assault. The insurgents’ brilliant strategy won their admiration. With these Colt guns in their hands the city would be theirs inside of twenty-four hours. They knew that in these countries a victory often means a complete rout for the vanquished. Whole regiments have been known to turn about, if the battle is seen to be going against their side, and fight with the enemy against their former comrades. The batteries within range of the assaulting columns opened a furious cannonade as they saw the great surge of humanity leave the newly made trench and charge boldly up the slopes of La Mesa. Tortuga Hill batteries opened a rapid fire, but the distance was too great, their shells were opening deep holes in the earth, but many yards short of the attacking enemy. The lads saw with anxiety that their men were fighting desperately against the terror which told them to flee; the awful, terrifying horde of armed enemy were rushing upon them with unnerving speed; they knew the custom of their countrymen: they gave “no quarter”; death approached them on three sides. The midshipmen pleaded with the men to be calm; they even threatened them; but their courage was fast slipping away. The terrible sight of the thousands of their yelling merciless enemies was too much for their shaken nerves.