Dick's own horse was killed at the first fire, and as he leaped clear to escape he went down to his waist in a marsh, another fact which saved his life a second time as the new volleys swept over his head.

The horses of other officers also were killed, and the remainder, finding themselves such conspicuous targets, sprang to the ground.

The frightened animals, tearing the reins from their hands, raced through the thickets or fell into the marsh.
All the time Dick heard the shells and bullets shrieking and whining over his head.

But, regaining his courage and presence of mind, he slowly pulled himself out of the marsh, taking shelter behind a huge cypress that grew at its very edge.

As he dashed the mud out of his eyes he heard a voice saying: "Don't push! There's room enough here for the three of us.