Friends, though divided eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 368 pages of information about Friends, though divided.

Friends, though divided eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 368 pages of information about Friends, though divided.
the chains he placed a strong body of watermen with their oars, while behind these, and at the windows of the houses, were the apprentices, each armed with a quantity of stones and broken bricks.  The cavalry charged down upon the defense.  When they reached within a few yards of the apprentices in front, these slipped under the chain.  The leading troopers halted, but were pressed by those behind them gainst the chain.  Then a ram of stones and brickbats opened upon them, and the watermen struck down men and horses with their heavy oars.  In vain the troopers tried with their swords to reach their opponents.  In vain they fired their pistols into the mass.  They were knocked down by the stones and brickbats in numbers, and at last, their commander having been struck senseless, the rest drew off, a tremendous cheer greeting their retreat, from the crowd.

“Now,” Harry shouted, taking his position on a doorstep, whence he could be seen, “attend to me.  The battle has only begun yet, and they will bring up their infantry now.  Next time we will let them enter the street, and defend the chains at the other end—­a party must hold these—­do some of you fill each lane which comes down on either side, and do ten of you enter each house and take post at the upper windows, with a good store of ammunition.  Do not show yourselves until the head of their column reaches the chain.  Then fling open the windows and pour volleys of stones and bricks upon them.  Then let those in the side streets, each headed by parties of watermen, fall upon their flanks.  Never fear their musketry.  They can only give fire once before you are upon them.  The oars will beat down the pikes, and your clubs will do the rest.  Now let the apprentices of each street form themselves into parties, each under their captain.  Let all be regular and orderly, and we will show them what the Londoners can do.”

With a cheer the crowd separated, and soon took post as Harry had directed.  He stationed himself at the barricade at the head of the street.  A quarter of an hour later the militia were seen approaching in close column followed by the cavalry.  On arriving at the end of the street the assailants removed the chain, and again advanced.  The street was silent until they neared its end.  The watermen had, under Harry’s direction, torn up the paving stones, and formed a barricade breast high, behind which, remaining crouched, they awaited the assault.

The fight began by a volley of stones from the apprentices behind the barricade.  The leading rank of the column discharged their muskets, and rushed at the barricade; the watermen sprang to oppose them.  At the sound of the first shot every window in the street opened, and a rain of bricks and heavy stones poured down on all sides upon the column, while at the same time dense masses flung themselves upon its flanks, from every lane leading into it.  Confused and broken by the sudden onslaught in the narrow street,

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Friends, though divided from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.