Page:Fighting in Cuban Waters.djvu/330

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300
FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS

are hatched," remarked Caleb, who had just rolled from his hammock.

They soon learned the truth of the movement. The shore batteries were again to be bombarded, and this time not even Morro Castle was to be spared, it having been ascertained that Hobson and his men had been removed to safe quarters.

"Down with old Morro; we'll show the Dons a thing or two!" was the cry, and off rushed the men to their guns, their eyes brighter than they had been for many a day, for Morro Castle had been an eyesore to all.

The flagship New York was leading the fleet, which, as before, soon ranged up in a semicircle. Inside of five minutes every vessel had her station.

"Cast loose and provide!"

The now familiar cry was scarcely needed, for the jackies were already at Work, stripped, as before, of all their superfluous clothing. Shot and powder were quickly handled, and the flagship began the firing, which immediately broke forth in all its fury, deafening everybody and sending forth a great cloud of smoke which hung over the war ships like a pall.

"Morro's flag is down!" came the shout. It