Read Mass' George: A Boy's Adventures in the Old Savannah Page 44

  CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

  There was an involuntary movement amongst those within hearing at this,and for the moment it was as if every one present was about to seeksafety in flight, as my father stood pointing wildly toward the blazingfort. Then, recovering himself from the shock of my father's words, theGeneral exclaimed, hoarsely--

  "I had forgotten that." And then in his customary firm way, he said,"The reserve supply of ammunition is in the little magazine, men.Twelve volunteers to bring it out."

  A deathly silence for a few minutes, only broken by the terrible crackleand roar of the flames; and then my father stepped toward the blazingbuilding.

  "I am too much hurt to carry," he said, "but I will lead. Now, my lads,for Old England!"

  "Hurray!" shouted Morgan, darting to his side, "and bonny Cymrw."

  A great black figure with torn and scorched cotton garments was the nextto step forward, and, carried away by a strange feeling of enthusiasmwhich mastered the horrible dread I felt, I ran to my father's side.

  "No, no, no, my boy," he groaned. "Go back!"

  "With you, father," I said; and he uttered a sob as he grasped my hand.

  "God be with us!" I heard him whisper; and he said no more, but haltingand resting wearily on me, as a dozen men now came forward with a cheer,he led the way to the door of the blazing pile.

  Twice over I felt my legs tremble beneath me, but the tremor passed awayin the excitement, and with the flames seeming to roar more fiercely, asif resenting an attempt to save that which was their prey, we passedfrom the eye-aching blaze of light through the strong doors into theblack darkness of the fort, all reeking with smoke and steam.