By Cricky! we have poured enough good old American steel into those forts to build a bridge across the Atlantic, but the dagoes are still giving us guff." "It won't last much longer," said Tommy reassuringly.

"From the looks of those batteries they haven't much fight left.

I'll bet a hardtack against a prune we haul off at four bells." "Licked ?" queried Flagg.
"Nope." "Will the Spaniards give up ?" asked "Dye." Tommy hesitated before replying.

It was a brief lull and we were resting at the gun.

The crew, grimy, dirty, battle-stained and tired, was glad to lean against the side of the deck or a convenient stanchion.