It was thrilling to see them, like moving clouds, emitting streams of fire which shot through the walls of vapor like flashes of lightning athwart a gloomy sky.
[Illustration: THE BOMBARDMENT OF MORRO CASTLE, SANTIAGO] The noise was terrific.

It seemed to gather at times in such an overwhelming, soul-stunning clamor of sound, that the very air was rent and split and shattered, and the senses refused further burden.

There was no possibility of hearing the human voice, save at odd intervals when a brief cessation occurred in the firing.

Orders were transmitted by gestures.
The smoke was thick and stifling, the saltpetre fumes filling the throat and lungs, until breathing was difficult.

The dense bank of vapor enveloping the ship also rendered it almost impossible to aim with any accuracy.