"No man is to run in the middle of the road and make an unnecessary target of himself.

Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell will run behind their men, to see that no man exposes himself uselessly." "Fall in! Ready to charge.

In single file---charge!" Heading the line on Darrin's side of the street, Trent dashed around the corner, leading his sailormen at a run.
Dalzell's men rushed into the fray at the same moment, Dave amid Dan, as ordered, bringing up the rear of the two files.
On the instant that the two lines of charging, cheering sailormen came into sight, the Mexicans on the roof-top redoubled their fire.

It is difficult, however, to fire with accuracy at men who are running close to the buildings.

Either the bullet falls short, or else goes wide of its mark and hits a wall behind the line.