From twelve to five the firing was slack.

The firing was so continuous and so near at handthe very house

Yet, beyond keeping us down close to the floor and out of view, this preliminary firing was but a waste of ammunition, the heavy balls merely breaking what glass remained, and chugging harmlessly into the walls.

The file-firing here was continuous, a perfect hail of bullets, and it was dangerous to show one's head over the bank.

The firing now became desultory and watchful on both sides, the attacking party keeping themselves covered by the trees and fences as well as they could, while the garrison only peered above the ridge of the roof, as occasions required.

Many of them were reluctant to believe we were advancing to attack them, and thought the firing upon the pickets was the work of a scouting party.

"Of course that firing will be the alarm for Lefty," went on John Mark, seeming to enjoy the spectacle before him, as if it were a thing from which he was entirely detached.

The firing was very slowmen trying to pick a target.

The firing now became desultory and watchful on both sides, the attacking party keeping themselves covered by the trees and fences as well as they could, while the garrison only peered above the ridge of the roof, as occasions required.